Biochar production potential in Ghana - A review

Abstract

Biochar is being promoted for its potential to improve soil properties, crop productivity and carbon sequestration in soil. Obstacles that may hinder rapid adoption of biochar production systems include technology and production costs, and feedstock availability. In this paper, a review of biochar production potential in Ghana is given. The availability of potential feedstock for biochar production such as agricultural residues, forestry residues, wood processing waste, the organic portion of municipal solid waste and livestock manure, together with a brief description of biomass conversion routes for biochar production is also given. Furthermore, potential agronomic and environmental benefits that can be derived from the application of biochar in soils are discussed. It is concluded that the large availability of biomass resources in Ghana gives a great potential for biochar production in the country. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.