'Thang Bun’: Indigenous Practice of In Situ Biochar Preparation-cum-application for Improved Jhum Cultivation in North East India

Thang bun is a traditional agricultural method practised by ethnic communities in Meghalaya, India. This method produces and incorporates biochar in the soil on raised beds from slashed plant biomass while practicing jhumming (slash and burn agriculture). The biochar prepared and incorporated into jhum soils acts as an acid-neutralizing agent and improves physico-chemical properties in acidic soils. This practice highlights the knowledge of ethnic communities on biochar preparation as well as soil fertility management using locally available resources for improving crop performance. This low-cost traditional technology is used to convert surplus slashed biomass into biochar through which the soil is enriched with nutrients, especially potassium and large quantities of carbon is sequestered annually. This traditional practice is the best example of a carbon-negative technology and effective utilization of locally available resources for better crop production. This practice has thrived for several centuries due to its multi-fold significance, minimum degrade effects and higher productive output. Presently, a scientifically modified version of this practice can be adopted for acid soil management in north east hill region of India.