Abstract

Sugarcane bagasse, a major agro-industrial byproduct generated during sugar extraction, poses serious disposal challenges, particularly in India, where more than 91 million tons of SB are produced each year. Sugarcane bagasse has traditionally been used for combustion-based energy recovery; however, the environmental downsides of bagasse burning – such as air pollution and soil degradation – necessitate sustainable alternatives. The present work explores the valorization of sugarcane bagasse through, pyrolysis to produce biochar, followed by its conversion into a multi-nutrient-enriched fertilizer (sugarcane biochar-based multi-nutrient fertiliser [SBMNF]). Sugarcane bagasse was pyrolyzed at 330°C and subsequently impregnated with a stabilized multi-nutrient mixture containing Nitrogen, Potassium, Zinc, Boron, Copper, Iron, Manganese, and Molybdenum. The resulting SBMNF was characterized for its physicochemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, ash, porosity), structural features (scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction), and thermal stability (thermogravimetric analysis-derivative thermogravimetry). Compared with raw sugarcane bagasse, SBMNF exhibited improved porosity (71.15%), water absorption (56.5%), swelling ratio (5.96 g/g), and equilibrium water content (95.8%). It also improved the water retention capacity of SBMNF-amended laterite soils. These results highlight SBMNF’s dual role in waste valorization and soil fertility enhancement. The study presents a scalable and eco-friendly strategy to recycle sugarcane residues into value-added, climate-resilient agro-inputs for sustainable farming systems.

Key words: Sugarcane bagasse, biochar, multi-nutrient fertilizer,nutrient leaching, waste valorization, soil amendment, sustainable agriculture