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Biochar as a Carrier for Agrochemicals

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Biochar

Part of the book series: Sustainable Materials and Technology ((SMT))

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Abstract

Biochar is a carbonaceous material with an adjustable surface structure and porosity. It can be produced by thermal decomposition from biomass under restricted oxygen conditions. Moreover, the functionalities of biochar can be enhanced through various modifications to meet the desired application, especially in agriculture. This chapter introduces the physicochemical properties of original biochar from different feedstocks and modification methods to improve biochar performances. Besides, recent studies on biochar application as a carrier for agrochemicals (fertilizers and pesticides) are discussed. Physical, chemical, and biological methods have been employed to improve the functionalities of biochar in terms of its particle sizes, surface area, pore size, adsorption, and desorption properties. Among all techniques, the chemical activation method has greater effectiveness and advantages. The recent developments of biochar as fertilizers and encapsulation material demonstrate that biochar can significantly improve crop productivity and soil properties. Moreover, the applications of biochar as a controlled release for different kinds of pesticides are mostly related to its ability in sorption and release properties.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical Sciences Programme, School of Distance Education (SDE), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Minden, Penang, Malaysia

    Wan Roslina Wan Yusof, Sumiyyah Sabar, Enis Nadia Md Yusof & Nur Shazwani Abdul Mubarak

  2. Centre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia

    Wan Roslina Wan Yusof

Authors
  1. Wan Roslina Wan Yusof
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  2. Sumiyyah Sabar
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  3. Enis Nadia Md Yusof
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  4. Nur Shazwani Abdul Mubarak
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sumiyyah Sabar .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia

    Showkat Ahmad Bhawani

  2. Applied Chemistry Section, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, College of Applied Sciences and Pharmacy, Al Khuwair, Muscat, Oman

    Aamir Hussain Bhat

  3. Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, University of Malaysia, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia

    Rafeah Wahi

  4. Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, University of Malaysia, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia

    Zainab Ngaini

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© 2024 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

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Wan Yusof, W.R., Sabar, S., Md Yusof, E.N., Abdul Mubarak, N.S. (2024). Biochar as a Carrier for Agrochemicals. In: Bhawani, S.A., Bhat, A.H., Wahi, R., Ngaini, Z. (eds) Biochar. Sustainable Materials and Technology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-4252-3_11

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