Irreversible sorption of carbofuran by moderately acidic soil amended with biochar

Abstract

An ecofriendly technique to on farm burning of biomass by making biochar from agricultural waste was provided. Characteristic studies of biomass and biochar such as SEM, Ultimate and proximate analysis, pH, Cation exchange capacity, Water holding capacity, Electrical conductivity, Soil organic matter and Dry matter production were examined. Adsorption and desorption of carbofuran in soil were studied in batch experiment mode. From the experimental studies, it was observed that pH, Cation exchange capacity, Water holding capacity, Electrical Conductivity, Soil organic content and dry matter production increases with biochar addition. Adsorption Studies show that carbofuran adsorbed with control is 0.45 mg/g whereas with 3%BC it was 6.375 mg/g and desorption studies show that with 3% biochar carbofuran desorption is less. Hence Capsicum Annuam Biochar could be one of the promising option for improving the soil health as well as for adsorbing the pesticides.