Consider the following statements regarding 'Biochar':
1. It is produced by thermal decomposition of biomass in the absence or limited presence of oxygen (pyrolysis).
2. It can significantly enhance soil cation exchange capacity and water retention.
3. It represents a highly stable form of carbon that resists microbial breakdown for centuries.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. 1, 2 and 3
- Step 1: Statement 1 is correct: Biochar is a charcoal-like, carbon-rich product synthesized by heating agricultural residues and biomass at high temperatures under anoxic or oxygen-deprived conditions (pyrolysis).
- Step 2: Statement 2 is correct: The micro-porous structure and surface chemical functional groups of biochar improve soil aeration, enhance moisture retention, and increase cation exchange capacity (CEC).
- Step 3: Statement 3 is correct: The fused aromatic ring structure of biochar resists biological oxidation, sequestering carbon stably in soil for hundreds of years. Therefore, statements 1, 2 and 3 are all correct.
Answer
1, 2 and 3.
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