9 months ago
UoH Converts Waste Geranium Leaves to Biochar
Scientists at the University of Hyderabad found a way to turn leftover geranium leaves from making essential oils into something useful called biochar.
Biochar is a special kind of charcoal that can make soil healthier.
The team discovered that this biochar has a lot of carbon and important minerals like calcium and potassium.
When they added it to the soil where rosemary plants were growing, the plants grew stronger and absorbed more nutrients.
This is great news for farmers who have soil that isn't very fertile.
The process doesn't use much energy and is cheaper than other biochar products.
The scientists worked together from different fields to make this happen, and they got help from some government departments.
Researchers at the University of Hyderabad converted waste geranium leaves into biochar, a carbon-rich material that enhances soil fertility.
The biochar contains 65% carbon and useful minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Testing on rosemary plants showed improved growth and nutrient uptake when using geranium biochar.
The process is energy-efficient, requiring about 9 kWh per batch, and is cost-effective compared to commercial biochar products.
The project was supported by the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Science and Technology.
- Who
- Research team from the University of Hyderabad
- What
- Converted waste geranium leaves into biochar for soil enhancement
- Where
- University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
- When
- Published in November 2025
- Why
- To turn agricultural waste into a sustainable soil enhancer and support plant health, soil restoration, and carbon sequestration
Key facts
- Research Team
- Prof. Appa Rao Podile, Prof. Dr V.V.S.S. Srikanth, Dr Danteswari Ch, Dr Sarma P.V.S.R.N., Akshay Rao, Dharani Kumar, Dr Ravikiran
- Publication
- Biomass and Bioenergy (Elsevier, November 2025)
- Carbon Content
- 65%
- Energy Requirement
- 9 kWh per batch
- Supporting Departments
- Department of Biotechnology, Department of Science and Technology, Institution of Eminence programme at UoH
Quotes
Prof. Appa Rao Podile
Professor from the School of Life Sciences at the University of Hyderabad
“how a waste product from the essential oil industry can be turned into a sustainable soil enhancer that supports plant health, soil restoration and carbon sequestration.”
deccanchronicle.com
Prof. Dr V.V.S.S. Srikanth
Professor from the School of Engineering Sciences and Technology at the University of Hyderabad
“collaboration between disciplines enabled a holistic approach, from process design to agricultural application.”
deccanchronicle.com
