UoH turns Geranium waste from oil extraction into low-cost Biochar to boost plant growth

A multidisciplinary team from the University of Hyderabad has found that geranium leaf waste, a mostly discarded by-product – both pre- and post-oil extraction – can be transformed into a value-added material to rejuvenate soils and boost plant growth.

The research was conducted by the Schools of Life Sciences and Engineering Sciences and Technology and led by senior professors in the respective departments Appa Rao Podile and VVSS Srikanth. The research was recently published in the journal Biomass and Bioenergy.

biochar

According to the team, a process was designed to convert Geranium plant material into biochar, a carbon-rich product that improves soil and stores carbon. And tests have shown that biochar contains about 65% carbon and beneficial minerals, giving it strong soil-supporting properties.

When added to the soil it helped Rosemary plants grow better. The process is low-cost and energy efficient, making it attractive to farmers. Abundant Geranium waste could reduce environmental impact, reduce production costs and promote a circular bioeconomy while increasing crop yields in many regions of India, the researchers noted.