The effect of biochar application on plants in sustainable crop production

Abstract

Biochar is a C-rich material and a solid product which can be obtained from different types of organic feedstock and materials with high carbon content, such as animal manure, sewage sludge, wood and crop residues and other organic waste under high temperatures and in low absence of oxygen. It is also considered as a microporous structure, an alkaline pH, with a high cation exchange capacity, and a notable organic carbon content. Biochar can promote plant growth and improves crop yield as well as various environmental advantages such as sequestering atmospheric carbon, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and contrasting global warming. The aim of this literature review is to show the impact of different kinds of biochars on crop yields and quality. Relevant literature has been obtained using the keywords “Biochar”, “crop yield” “crop quality” in scientific databases, such as “PubMed”, “SciFinder”, “Elsevier”, and “Web of Science”. According to these data, biochar can increase yields and improve the quality of crops, but the study also provides examples of its adverse effects. It emphasizes the need for further research, including on the interactions between biochar, soil, and plants.