Abstract Pyrolysis of plant biomass is a promising way to produce charcoal (solid), tar and pyroligneous acid, and other gaseous products. These products are of great import as they are alternative to traditional fuels and inorganic chemicals. In this review, main emphasis has been given to properties of pyroligneous acid and its potential benefits in agriculture. Pyroligneous acid is a crude condensed, highly oxygenated organic liquid which is a by-product of pyrolysis of plant biomass. It mainly consisted of aliphatic, aromatic, and naphthenic hydrocarbons and other oxygenated compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, furans, acids, phenols and ethers. Pyroligneous acid exhibits antioxidant and scavenger properties and has been used in agriculture as antimicrobial agent, insecticide, and for the promotion of seed germination and plant growth. This review takes a critical look at some of the production principles, roles of pyroligneous acid in plant growth, development and defense, and the prospects and broader application of pyroligneous acid in agriculture. It is envisaged that this review will generate global discussion and create awareness for the numerous opportunities in pyroligneous acid research and global use.

中文翻译：

---

焦木酸的生产、前景及在农业中的潜在应用

摘要 植物生物质的热解是生产木炭（固体）、焦油和焦木酸以及其他气态产品的一种很有前景的方法。这些产品非常重要，因为它们是传统燃料和无机化学品的替代品。在这篇综述中，主要强调了焦木酸的特性及其在农业中的潜在益处。焦木酸是一种粗浓缩的、高度氧化的有机液体，是植物生物质热解的副产品。它主要由脂肪烃、芳香烃和环烷烃和其他含氧化合物如醇、醛、酮、呋喃、酸、酚和醚组成。焦木酸具有抗氧化和清除剂的特性，已在农业中用作抗菌剂、杀虫剂、以及促进种子发芽和植物生长。这篇综述批判性地审视了一些生产原理、焦木酸在植物生长、发育和防御中的作用，以及焦木酸在农业中的前景和更广泛的应用。预计本次审查将引发全球讨论，并提高人们对焦木酸研究和全球使用中的众多机会的认识。