Impact of Biochar Application on Soil Physical and Biogeochemical Characteristics: A Review

The need to increase crop production to feed the growing population is pressing, especially with the reduction of agricultural land due to rapid urbanization and decadal use of land. Soil health and quality are deteriorating as a result of this. To combat this, various soil management practices, including biochar application, show significant promise. Biochar amendments improve soil physical properties, such as bulk density (BD), porosity, and hydraulic conductivity, which enhance water retention, nutrient availability, and soil structure. Additionally, biochar adjusts soil pH, enhances nutrient cycling, and stimulates microbial activity, contributing to improved soil fertility and agricultural productivity. This review examines the role of biochar in enhancing soil health and quality, emphasizing its potential for sustaining agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. The impact of biochar on specific soil properties, including BD, porosity, hydraulic conductivity, pH, and nutrient content (NPK), is summarized, highlighting the mechanisms underlying these effects. The findings demonstrate that biochar can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote soil carbon sequestration, serves as a promising material for wastewater treatment, and can be used as an ingredient in blending animal products. Knowledge gaps and future perspectives for large-scale biochar commercialization are discussed, aiming to improve soil fertility while preserving soil health. This review provides new insights into the innovative use of biochar as a soil amendment, offering a comprehensive analysis of its benefits and implications for sustainable agriculture.