Biochar as a Soil amendment: implications for soil health, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience

Abstract Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced through the pyrolysis of organic biomass, has gained increasing attention as a sustainable soil amendment due to its potential to enhance soil health, improve agricultural productivity, and mitigate climate change. This review explores the multifaceted benefits of biochar, including its ability to sequester carbon for long periods, thereby reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases. Biochar’s unique properties, such as its porous structure, high cation exchange capacity, and nutrient retention capabilities, significantly enhance soil fertility, water-holding capacity, and microbial activity. These improvements increase crop resilience against drought, soil erosion, and nutrient loss, supporting climate-resilient agricultural systems. Additionally, biochar’s application can lower nitrous oxide and methane emissions from soils, further contributing to climate change mitigation. However, the effectiveness of biochar is influenced by factors such as feedstock type, pyrolysis conditions, and application rates. Understanding these variables is crucial for optimizing biochar's use in different soil types and environmental conditions. Graphical Abstract