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Slash-and-char is an alternative toslash-and-burn that has a lesser effect on theenvironment. It is the practice ofcharring thebiomass resulting from the slashing instead of burning it. Due to incompletecombustion (pyrolysis) the resulting residue mattercharcoal can be utilized asbiochar toimprove the soil fertility.[1][2]
In that context, charcoal can be made using numerous and varied methods. The simplest, used historically incharcoal production, involves burning a pile of biomass by lighting it on the top (known as "top down burn" or "conservation burn"[3][4]) or an earth cover on the pile of wood, with strategically placed vents. A more sophisticated modern method involves equipment that recuperates and processes strictly all exhaust gases intopyroligneous acid andsyngas.
Slash-and-char offers benefits to the environment when compared to slash-and-burn.[5]
It results in the creation of biochar, which can then be mixed with biomass such ascrop residues,food waste, ormanure and buried in the soil to bring about the formation ofterra preta. Terra preta is one of the richest soils on the planet – and the only one known to regenerate itself.[citation needed]
It moreover sequesters considerable quantities ofcarbon safely and beneficially, as opposed to the adverse effects of the slash-and-burn. Switching to slash-and-char can sequester up to 50% of the carbon in a highly stable form.[5]The nascentcarbon trading market that sponsorsCO2 sequestration projects could therefore help supplement the farmers' income while supporting a decrease in the pace ofdeforestation and the development of a moresustainable agriculture.
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