Biochar from Rice Straw and Livestock Manure: A Solution to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Rice Fields
- Masyita Insyra Putri
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
Did you know that agricultural land—especially rice paddies—is one of the main contributors to a dangerous greenhouse gas called nitrous oxide (N₂O)? This gas is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat and can remain in the atmosphere for up to 120 years! One of the leading causes of these emissions is the excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in farming.
But now, there’s a promising natural solution gaining attention: biochar.
What is Biochar?
Biochar is a natural charcoal made by burning agricultural waste—such as rice straw or livestock manure—at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. This process creates a highly porous, carbon-rich, and alkaline material that’s excellent for improving soil quality. More importantly, biochar has been shown to absorb nutrients, raise soil pH, and reduce N₂O emissions from rice fields.
Two Effective Types of Biochar
In practice, two commonly used types of biochar include:
Rice Straw Biochar (RSBC)
Swine Manure Biochar (SMBC)
When these biochars are mixed into paddy soils, they produce significant benefits, particularly in reducing N₂O emissions. In fact, using just 5% swine manure biochar can cut emissions by nearly 74%!
How Does Biochar Work?
Biochar reduces greenhouse gas emissions through several key mechanisms:
Increasing soil pH: Acidic soils tend to encourage denitrification—a microbial process that releases N₂O. Biochar helps neutralize the soil, thereby suppressing this process.
Lowering ammonium (NH₄⁺) levels: Biochar absorbs excess ammonium, a key precursor to N₂O formation.
Enhancing soil organic carbon: This improves soil structure and microbial activity, making the soil ecosystem healthier and more stable.
Inhibiting N₂O-producing enzymes: Certain enzymes in the soil accelerate the release of N₂O. Biochar has been shown to suppress the activity of these enzymes.
More Than Just Soil Improvement
Beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions, biochar offers additional benefits such as:
Naturally fertilizing the soil
Reducing the need for chemical fertilizers
Accelerating plant growth
Storing carbon long-term, helping mitigate climate change
Why Is This Important for Indonesia?
As an agricultural country with millions of hectares of rice fields, Indonesia has enormous potential to adopt biochar technology. Agricultural waste that is often burned or discarded can be transformed into useful biochar—helping to reduce our carbon footprint in the farming sector.
With its natural, waste-based approach, biochar presents a smart and sustainable solution to today’s environmental challenges. Whether derived from rice straw or livestock manure, biochar has proven effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, maintaining soil fertility, and protecting our atmosphere from further harm.
It’s time for Indonesian agriculture not only to feed the world—but also to help heal the planet.
Discover more about SAWA’s innovative biochar production and its impact on sustainable farming.
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