| Idea Name: |
BIOCHAR FERTILIZER |
| Slogan: |
Combating Smog with Biochar |
| Supervisor Name: |
Dr. Ghulam Haider |
| Supervisor Designation: |
Associate Professor |
| Supervisor School: |
ASAB |
| Supervisor Department: |
Plant Biotechnology |
| Contact number: |
+92 300 6344474 |
| Email ID: |
[email protected] |
| Abstract: |
| Open crop residue burning by farmers increases greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and has led to frequent smog, especially in areas of Punjab. However, burning the crop residue in limited air produces a substance known as Biochar which in the form of fertilizer increases carbon sequestration by the soil. Thereby reducing GHG emissions and soil CO2 efflux thereby contributing to SDG Goal 13. |
| What is the unmet need in society that your idea will fulfill ? |
| Open crop residue burning leads to the production of smog in major urban cities like Lahore. This causes irritation in breathing airways and contributes to lung and heart diseases. Biochar will mitigate these issues by reducing GHG emissions (especially CO2) into the atmosphere. |
| Who needs it ? How many would benefit ? |
| Local people will experience reduced smog.
Farmers will have higher soil carbon content and less loss of carbon from the soil.
Biochar Production Companies would gain profit from selling Biochar mixed with organic fertilizers while obtaining the raw materials (i.e. crop residue) for no cost. |
| How will the solution works |
| Being a developing country, most of our farmers are poor. It is simpler and more cost-effective for the farmer to burn the crop residue rather than harvest it since the poor farmers cannot afford to pay for the harvesting of crop residue. In Pakistan, 20% of all emissions that contribute to air pollution are from burning crop residue.
For the purpose of harvesting crop residue, farmers will receive free harvesting equipment. The crop residue will subsequently undergo pyrolysis to make biochar. |
| Who are your competitors ? How is your solution different |
| Our competitors will be the fertilizer companies, but our solution is far more different as it is environment-friendly, more economical for the farmers, and will solve problems like smog and droughts. |
| Status: |
new |
| Entry Date & Time: |
2022-12-30 (1526) |
