Uses of Biochar in Farming
Question
What is the use of biochar in farming? Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1.
Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming.
- 2.
When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms.
- 3.
When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it enables the growing medium to retain water for longer time.
Options
1 and 2 only
2 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich form of charcoal produced from biomass. It is increasingly used as an amendment in growing mediums, including in vertical farming setups (Statement 1 is correct). Its highly porous structure acts as a safe habitat for beneficial soil microbes, explicitly promoting the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms (Statement 2 is correct). The same porous structure drastically increases the water-holding capacity of the soil or growing medium, reducing irrigation needs (Statement 3 is correct). > One-line conceptual takeaway: Biochar acts as a highly porous sponge in soil, simultaneously retaining moisture, sheltering beneficial microbes, and sequestering carbon. Answer: (d).
Question details
Year
2020
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q80
Subject
Environment
Sub-topic
Economic & Agricultural Geography
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Current-affairs-linked
Source hint
Sustainable agriculture / Carbon sequestration
Same sub-topic — other years
Economic & Agricultural Geography has appeared in multiple papers:
See all questions on Economic & Agricultural Geography
Browse every tagged question across all years