Biochar Utilization to Sustain Rice Cultivation in Taiwan: A Review

Abstract

The responses of rice production and pyrolysis-based biochar in Taiwan are reviewed as biochar is an available soil amendment alternative. We examine how biochar addition to the rice field would influence rice planted areas in Taiwan due to crop yield increase. The result provides insights into biochar utilization and changes in current rice cultivation activities with a modified Taiwanese agricultural model. The area of higher rice yields increases while the lower output area decreases. Plant location also influences the change in area. With a change in plant location, rice plantations change considerably. While most biochar is used in southern and central Taiwan, the results vary depending on where the pyrolysis plant is built and the transportation cost. Climate change might have substantial influences on Taiwan’s rice production