Socioeconomic and Cognitive Determinants of Biochar Implementation in Tropical Land Management: A Case Study from Rural Costa Rica

Biochar presents an opportunity for soil productivity enhancement and carbon sequestration, yet its adoption in Neotropics remains limited. This study assessed biochar production feasibility, chemical composition, and structural constraints influencing adoption among farmers in Costa Rica. Biochar was produced using a Kon-Tiki kiln from Vochysia guatemalensis and Vochysia ferruginea , achieving carbon stability levels of 85.3% and 82.5%, respectively. A survey of 39 farmers examined biochar knowledge, farm characteristics, and perceived barriers to adoption. Logistic regression was used to identify key predictors of adoption, and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) examined relationships among categorical survey responses. Results showed that 68.4% of farmers lacked prior biochar knowledge, education levels varied, and farm sizes were predominantly small (64.1% < 10 ha). Logistic regression revealed significant associations between farm size and woody residues as a primary waste product ( p = 0.017) and between education level and biochar awareness ( p = 0.048). MCA explained 55% of the total variance, with adoption potential and structural barriers represented along separate dimensions. Interest in biochar, particularly for fertilizer use and carbon sequestration, aligned with adoption potential. These findings highlight the need for training, cooperative equipment-sharing models, and financial incentives to support biochar adoption and Costa Rica’s carbon neutrality objectives.