Publication details
Biochar Role in Soil Carbon Stabilization and Crop Productivity
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2021 |
| Type | Chapter of a book |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | In the presented chapter, various aspects related to carbon stabilization and storage in the form of biochar (an important soil amendment) are discussed. The following questions were considered: (i) what is the current general knowledge on biochar and its physicochemical composition, (ii) how manufacturing conditions affect biochar characteristics, including their role in carbon stabilization, (iii) how biochar contributes to soil carbon balance and storage, (iv) what are the effects of biochar on water retention in soil, soil erosion, production yields and economic productivity in agriculture, (iv) what are the effects of biochar on soil microbial community and activity, and (v) how biochar affects other soil amendments and their roles in soil. The present studies assess scientific outcomes and results which conclude that soil organic matter gained by organic residues can be used to enhance soil carbon storage. Following the published scientific results, the biochar amendment appears to be a promising way for increasing the stocks of recalcitrant carbon in the soil from a long-term perspective. Future research should focus on the designing, production, and use of enriched biochar, e.g. with nutrients, minerals, or microorganisms, to improve soil physicochemical properties, supply nutrients, and prevent their leaching. The fertilizer supplies accessible nutrients available to plants, and biochar can sequester depleted elements and prevent leaching of the added ones. |