Tamil Nadu Forest Department to Launch Biochar Facility to Combat Invasive Plant Species
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is initiating a biochar manufacturing facility in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve to address invasive plant species threatening the region's ecosystem. The project aims to convert 7,000 to 10,000 tons of invasive biomass into biochar, a carbon-rich material beneficial for agriculture.
Local tribal communities will be employed to assist in the harvesting process. The facility will utilize pyrolysis for emission-controlled processing, enabling the conversion of low-value biomass into a stable carbon product.
This initiative is expected to contribute to long-term carbon storage, which can be monetized through carbon credit markets. Invasive species are disrupting local ecosystems by outcompeting native flora, threatening biodiversity and food webs.
