Biochar as a Sustainable Soil Amendment: Impacts on Soil Fertility, Nutrient Dynamics, and Crop Yield: A Review
Shailendra Singh
Department of Agronomy, SKN Agriculture University, Jobner 303329, India.
Ashutosh Kumar
Horticulture Vegetables KVK Narkatiyaganj, RPCAU Pusa, India.
M. G. Sreemathi
Excel Group of Institutions, Komarapalayam, Tamil Nadu-637303, India.
Mohit Kashyap *
Department of Soil Science, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Pincode- 176062, India.
Subedar Singh
Department of Agriculture, Mandsaur University, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, Pin code- 458001, India.
Priyanka Gautam
ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner-334 001, Rajasthan, India.
B. Lal
ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Regional Research Centre, Bikaner-334 006, Rajasthan, India.
K. Vidushi
Department of Horticulture (Pomology), Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad -500100, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Biochar has emerged as a promising soil amendment for improving soil fertility, enhancing nutrient availability, and increasing crop productivity under sustainable agricultural systems. Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through the pyrolysis of organic biomass in the absence of oxygen or under limited oxygen conditions. Application of biochar improves soil physical, chemical, and biological properties by enhancing soil structure, water holding capacity, cation exchange capacity, microbial activity, and nutrient retention. Biochar also plays an important role in regulating nutrient dynamics by reducing nutrient leaching and increasing nutrient use efficiency. Several studies have reported significant improvements in plant growth, yield attributes, and crop productivity following biochar application in different soil types and cropping systems. In addition, biochar contributes to environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the effectiveness of biochar varies depending on feedstock type, pyrolysis conditions, soil characteristics, and application rates. This review highlights the effects of biochar on soil fertility, nutrient dynamics, and crop productivity, along with its environmental implications, limitations, and future research prospects for sustainable agriculture.
Keywords: Biochar, soil fertility, nutrient dynamics, crop productivity, carbon sequestration, sustainable agriculture