Biochar is carbon-rich product generated from biomass through pyrolysis. In this study, the effects of pyrolysis temperature and heating rate on the yield and physicochemical and morphological properties of biochars obtained from safflower seed press cake were investigated. The results showed that the biochar yield and quality depend principally on the applied temperature where pyrolysis at 600 degrees C leaves a biochar with higher fixed carbon content (80.70%) and percentage carbon (73.75%), and higher heating value (30.27 MJ kg(-1)) in comparison with the original feedstock (SPC) and low volatile matter content (9.80%). The biochars had low surface areas (1.89-4.23 m(2)/g) and contained predominantly aromatic compounds. The biochar could be used for the production of activated carbon, in fuel applications, and water purification processes. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.