UPSC Prelims 2020 · Question 100 of 100

UPSC Prelims 2020 question on Biochar Farming

What is the use of biochar in farming?

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.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

Verdict

Correct statements: 1, 2 and 3 → Option (d).

Statement by statement

Statement 1 — CORRECT: As the use of soilless, hydroponic growing methods becomes more prevalent among crop producers, researchers are looking for new materials that can help growers save money, produce healthy plants, and contribute to sustainable practices. Biochar, a charcoal-like material produced by heating biomass in the absence of oxygen, can help 'close the loop' when used as a substrate for soilless, hydroponic tomato production.

Statement 2 — CORRECT: Biochar has the potential to boost the natural ability of legumes to fix nitrogen to the soil. Adding biochar to soil not only provides a way to sequester carbon, but also has many soil health benefits which will help farmers adapt to climate change and increase productivity. In addition to supporting the life of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, biochar can also decrease soil N2O emission, and increase nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen retention in the soil.

Statement 3 — CORRECT: Because of its porous nature, biochar can improve your soil's water retention and water holding capacity — defined as the amount of water that a soil can hold for its crops — so that your plants will have more water available to them for a longer period of time.

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