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Impact of biochar properties on soil conditions and agricultural sustainability: A review
Author(s) -
AlWabel Mohammad I.,
Hussain Qaiser,
Usman Adel R.A.,
Ahmad Mahtab,
Abduljabbar Adel,
Sallam Abdulazeem S.,
Ok Yong Sik
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
land degradation and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1099-145X
pISSN - 1085-3278
DOI - 10.1002/ldr.2829
Subject(s) - biochar , slash and char , environmental science , carbon sequestration , soil fertility , nutrient , crop yield , soil carbon , soil water , agronomy , pyrolysis , chemistry , soil science , carbon dioxide , organic chemistry , biology
This review summarizes the influences of pyrolysis conditions and feedstock types on biochar properties and how biochar properties in turn affect soil properties. Mechanistic evidence of biochar's potential for enhancing crop productivity, carbon sequestration, and nutrient use efficiency are also discussed. The review identifies the knowledge gaps, limitations, and future research directions for large‐scale use of biochar. Both pyrolytic parameters and feedstock types are considered to be the main factors controlling biochar properties such as nutrient content, recalcitrance, and pH. Biochar produced at low temperatures may improve nutrient availability and crop yield in acidic and alkaline soils, whereas high‐temperature biochar may enhance long‐term soil carbon sequestration. Biochar can also improve the efficiency of inorganic and organic fertilizers by enhancing microbial functions and reducing nutrient loss, thereby making nutrients more available to plants. Integration of biochar and chemical or organic fertilizers generally provides for better nutrient management and crop yield in most types of soils. Although biochar can improve degraded soils, it is not a panacea; as such, soil‐ and crop‐specific biochar are needed in order to ensure optimum crop yield and agricultural sustainability.