CONVERSION OF WOOD PROCESSING WASTE INTO BIOCHAR AND ITS EFFECT ON SOIL FERTILITY

Abstract

Effective management of waste and judicious use of resources are issues of paramount importance in contemporary times. The waste from the wood processing industry can be used in many ways as a secondary raw material. In this respect, the conversion of such wastes into high-value products is of great scientific and practical interest. The current article discusses the properties of biochar derived from wood processing waste and its prospects for agricultural applications. Biochar is a carbon-rich porous material that is produced by pyrolysis of plantbased materials in the absence of oxygen. High adsorption capacity, large surface area, and positive effect on the soil environment are ecologically significant. The conducted analyses show that biochar is an effective way to improve the physical and chemical properties of soil, for retaining moisture, preventing nutrient leaching, and improving the microbiological activity of soil. Moreover, the carbon sequestration properties of biochar suggest that it is an important factor contributing to the mitigation of climate change. In summary, employing biochar derived from wood waste is a promising and environmentally friendly strategy that can achieve the twin objectives of waste management and the improvement of agricultural productivity.