Süsinikult

Süsinikult is a term used in Estonian to refer to charcoal. Charcoal is a black, porous material produced by heating wood or other organic matter in the absence of oxygen, a process known as pyrolysis. This process removes water and volatile compounds, leaving behind a carbon-rich residue.

Historically, süsinikult has been used for various purposes. It has been employed as a fuel for cooking and heating due to its ability to burn at high temperatures with less smoke than raw wood. It has also been utilized in metallurgy for smelting iron and other metals. In agriculture, charcoal can be added to soil as a soil amendment to improve its structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, a practice known as biochar.

Modern applications of süsinikult include its use in activated carbon filters for water and air purification, where its porous structure allows it to adsorb impurities. It is also used in art as a drawing medium. The production of süsinikult typically involves controlled burning in kilns or pits to maximize carbon content and minimize environmental impact.