Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

Sericulture generates recurring lignocellulosic residues through the pruning and management of mulberry, castor, tasar and muga silkworm host plants. These residues are often underutilised, although some may serve as feedstocks for biochar and activated carbon production. This narrative review examines published evidence on the characteristics of host-plant residues, relevant thermochemical conversion routes, resultant carbon materials and their potential agricultural and environmental applications. Slow pyrolysis, fast pyrolysis, carbonisation, gasification and chemical activation are considered in relation to feedstock composition and processing conditions. Studies on mulberry and castor residues demonstrate biochar or activated carbon production, while investigations of selected tasar host-plant materials show adsorption and electrochemical applications. Reported effects include altered soil nutrient availability, water-holding capacity and contaminant adsorption, although findings depend on feedstock, processing temperature, activating agents and application conditions. For example, mulberry-stalk biochar has been examined in soil nutrient studies, whereas activated carbons derived from castor and Terminalia residues have been evaluated for wastewater treatment. Evidence is less extensive for muga host plants, and conversion studies cannot be assumed to establish benefits for silk production. Important research needs include comparative feedstock characterisation, controlled field trials, assessment of mulberry leaf and cocoon outcomes, and evaluation of processing costs and life-cycle performance. Biochar production therefore represents a plausible waste-valorisation pathway, but its agronomic and economic benefits require further host-plant-specific validation.