Application of Biochar on Land for Improving Soil Health–A Review

Author: R. Elangovan, S.R. Shri Rangasami, R. Murugaragavan and N. Chandra Sekaran

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Abstract

The use of biochars can improve agricultural production because they can store applied nutrients and fertilizer and release them gradually to crop plants. As a result of biochar's capacity to prevent nutrients from evaporating from the crop root zone and to hold onto water and nutrients for an extended length of time, crop yields may increase and fertilizer needs may decrease. In contrast to composts, which are frequently added to soils for agricultural production, biochars are a source of nutrients indirectly through the subsequent decomposition of organic matter. Applying biochar to the soil has the following benefits, it sequesters carbon in the soil, boosts soil productivity especially on poor soils, enhances water retention, boosts water quality, lowers greenhouse gas emissions from the soil, stimulates microbial activity, and can be used as a biofuel and renewable energy source. The major use of biochar application in soil is to improve the soil health and fertility and in addition to mitigate climate change especially sequestering carbon. The utility of the biochar from various waste is a promising way of recycling and it could improve the health of the degraded soils, poor soils and barren lands.

Keywords

Biochar, microbial activity, broadcasting, traditional banding, soil amendments

Conclusion

It is well recognized that biochar can enhance the physical and chemical characteristics of soil, enhancing its fertility and productivity. Other advantages of adding biochar to soils include lowering methane and nitrous oxide emissions, nutrient leaching into groundwater, and soil contaminant levels, among others. Agriculture benefits from biochars' are capacity to hold onto water and nutrients in the surface soil strata for extended periods of time because it prevents nutrients from evaporating from the crop root zone, potentially increases crop yields, and lowers the need for fertilizer. Improved soil quality, a decrease in nitrate load in soil and groundwater, a rise in humification, the ability to retain nutrients and water, and tolerance to drought conditions are further advantages of applying biochar to soil. In future the biochar should be utilized as soil amendment (broad casting, traditional banding, mixed in soil, mixed with liquid fertilizers and target application in precision farming) for improving the soil health and combating the burgeoning climate market.

References

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How to cite this article

R. Elangovan, S.R. Shri Rangasami, R. Murugaragavan and N. Chandra Sekaran (2022). Application of Biochar on Land for Improving Soil Health–A Review. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(4): 1241-1244