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

Geranium leaf waste — both from pre and post oil extraction — which is a mostly discarded byproduct, can be upcycled into a value-added material to rejuvenate soils and enhance plant growtha multi-disciplinary team from University of Hyderabad has found.

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

Biochar

According to the team, a process was designed to transform Geranium plant material into biochar — a carbon-rich product that improves soil and stores carbon. And tests showed that biochar contained about 65% carbon and useful minerals, giving it strong soil-boosting qualities.

When added to soil, it helped Rosemary plants grow better. The process is low-cost and energy-efficient, making it attractive for farmers. The researchers opined that abundant Geranium waste could reduce environmental impact, cut production costs, and promote a circular bioeconomy while improving crop yields across many regions in India.