Nagaland University Develops Biochar-Based Solution to Improve Soil Moisture, Crop Productivity

Guwahati: A team of research scholars from Nagaland University, the University of Johannesburg, Amity University and Parul University has demonstrated how biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from agricultural waste, could help address growing concerns related to water scarcity, soil degradation and declining farm productivity. The study found that biochar can improve soil moisture retention, reduce irrigation requirements and enhance soil fertility, offering a low-cost and sustainable solution for climate-resilient agriculture, particularly in hilly farming regions such as Nagaland.

The study highlights how converting crop residues and organic biomass into biochar can significantly improve soil moisture retention, reduce water loss and enhance soil fertility, making it particularly suitable for rain-fed and slope-based farming landscapes like Nagaland.

Researchers say the findings are especially relevant for hill states where steep terrain causes rapid rainwater runoff and loss of nutrient-rich topsoil, while erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells continue to affect agricultural productivity.

Conversely, during dry periods, these same fields suffer from acute water shortages as the soil fails to retain moisture. This cycle of degradation is now being amplified by rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns, creating an urgent need for the climate-resilient solutions identified in this study.

The study underscores that, unlike conventional water-management strategies that often demand expensive infrastructure, biochar provides a nature-based, low-cost alternative rooted in the circular economy. By repurposing agricultural waste into a high-value soil amendment, this method does more than just stabilise water availability; it actively boosts crop yields, reduces the farmer’s reliance on costly chemical fertilisers and supports long-term carbon storage in soil.

The research was undertaken by Prof Prabhakar Sharma, Department of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Nagaland University, along with Shakir Ali, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Anamika Shrivastava, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh; and Krishna Kumar Yadav, Parul University, Gujarat. The findings were published in Discover Soil an open-access, peer-reviewed journal focused on all major areas of soil science brought out by Springer Nature.

Highlighting the significance of the research, Prof Sharma said, “The study aims to identify suitable locally available biomass for biochar production and evaluate its performance in steep and terraced farming systems. It further examines optimal application rates, long-term impacts on crop yield and soil health, and economic benefits for small and marginal farmers.”

Explaining what sets the study apart from existing research in the field, Prof Sharma added, “Most of the existing studies utilise biochar in general agricultural settings. However, our work connects water conservation, soil restoration and climate resilience for hill farming systems, where rapid runoff, moisture loss and soil degradation are major challenges. The study also emphasises the use of locally available biomass resources for an affordable, scalable and relevant approach for farmers in Northeast India.”

The research team is now planning to expand the study through pilot demonstrations across university farms, village clusters, terrace fields and horticultural plantations. Future initiatives will also focus on conducting farmer training programmes and collaborating with government agencies to encourage the wider adoption of biochar-based agricultural practices aimed at improving water conservation, soil health and climate resilience.