Abstract
Biochar, an environmentally friendly soil conditioner, is produced using several thermochemical processes. It has unique characteristics like high surface area, porosity, and surface charges. This paper reviews the fertilizer value of biochar, and its effects on soil properties, and nutrient use efficiency of crops. Biochar serves as an important source of plant nutrients, especially nitrogen in biochar produced from manures and wastes at low temperature (≤ 400 °C). The phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrient contents are higher in manure/waste biochars than those in crop residues and woody biochars. The nutrient contents and pH of biochar are positively correlated with pyrolysis temperature, except for nitrogen content. Biochar improves the nutrient retention capacity of soil, which depends on porosity and surface charge of biochar. Biochar increases nitrogen retention in soil by reducing leaching and gaseous loss, and also increases phosphorus availability by decreasing the leaching process in soil. However, for potassium and other nutrients, biochar shows inconsistent (positive and negative) impacts on soil. After addition of biochar, porosity, aggregate stability, and amount of water held in soil increase and bulk density decreases. Mostly, biochar increases soil pH and, thus, influences nutrient availability for plants. Biochar also alters soil biological properties by increasing microbial populations, enzyme activity, soil respiration, and microbial biomass. Finally, nutrient use efficiency and nutrient uptake improve with the application of biochar to soil. Thus, biochar can be a potential nutrient reservoir for plants and a good amendment to improve soil properties.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Adapted from Lopez-Capel et al. (2016)
Modified and reprinted with permission from Liu et al. (2018)
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abbas A, Yaseen M, Khalid M, Naveed M, Aziz MZ, Hamid Y, Saleem M (2017) Effect of biochar-amended urea on nitrogen economy of soil for improving the growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under field condition. J Plant Nutr 40:2303–2311. https://doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2016.1267746
Abdulrahman DK, Othman R, Saud HM (2016) Effects of empty fruit bunch biochar and nitrogen-fixing bacteria on soil properties and growth of sweet corn. Malay J Soil Sci 20:177–194
Abiven S, Hund A, Martinsen V, Cornelissen G (2015) Biochar amendment increases maize root surface areas and branching: a shovelomics study in Zambia. Plant Soil 395:45–55. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-015-2533-2
Abujabhah IS, Doyle R, Bound SA, Bowman JP (2016) The effect of biochar loading rates on soil fertility, soil biomass, potential nitrification, and soil community metabolic profiles in three different soils. J Soils Sed 16:2211–2222. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-016-1411-8
Abujabhah IS, Doyle RB, Bound SA, Bowman JP (2018) Assessment of bacterial community composition, methanotrophic and nitrogen-cycling bacteria in three soils with different biochar application rates. J Soils Sed 18:148–158. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-017-1733-1
Agegnehu G, Bass AM, Nelson PN, Bird MI (2016a) Benefits of biochar, compost and biochar-compost for soil quality, maize yield and greenhouse gas emissions in a tropical agricultural soil. Sci Total Environ 543:295–306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.054
Agegnehu G, Nelson PN, Bird MI (2016b) Crop yield, plant nutrient uptake and soil physicochemical properties under organic soil amendments and nitrogen fertilization on Nitisols. Soil Tillage Res 160:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2016.02.003
Agegnehu G, Nelson PN, Bird MI (2016c) The effects of biochar, compost and their mixture and nitrogen fertilizer on yield and nitrogen use efficiency of barley grown on a Nitisol in the highlands of Ethiopia. Sci Total Environ 569:869–879. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.05.033
Agegnehu G, Srivastava AK, Bird MI (2017) The role of biochar and biochar-compost in improving soil quality and crop performance: a review. Appl Soil Ecol 119:156–170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2017.06.008
Ahmad M et al (2014) Biochar as a sorbent for contaminant management in soil and water: a review. Chemosphere 99:19–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.10.071
Akoto-Danso EK et al (2018) Agronomic effects of biochar and wastewater irrigation in urban crop production of Tamale, northern Ghana. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-018-9926-6
Ali S et al (2017) Biochar soil amendment on alleviation of drought and salt stress in plants: a critical review. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 24:12700–12712. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-8904-x
Aller D, Mazur R, Moore K, Hintz R, Laird D, Horton R (2017) Biochar age and crop rotation impacts on soil quality. Soil Sci Soc Am J. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2017.01.0010
Alotaibi KD, Schoenau JJ (2019) Addition of biochar to a sandy desert soil: effect on crop growth, water retention and selected properties. Agronomy. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9060327
Al-Wabel MI, Al-Omran A, El-Naggar AH, Nadeem M, Usman ARA (2013) Pyrolysis temperature induced changes in characteristics and chemical composition of biochar produced from conocarpus wastes. Bioresour Technol 131:374–379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2012.12.165
Al-Wabel MI, Hussain Q, Usman ARA, Ahmad M, Abduljabbar A, Sallam AS, Ok YS (2018) Impact of biochar properties on soil conditions and agricultural sustainability: a review. Land Degrad Dev 29:2124–2161. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2829
Ameloot N et al (2013) Short-term CO2 and N2O emissions and microbial properties of biochar amended sandy loam soils. Soil Biol Biochem 57:401–410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2012.10.025
Amin AA (2016) Impact of corn cob biochar on potassium status and wheat growth in a calcareous sandy soil. Commun Soil Sci Plant Anal 47:2026–2033. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2016.1225081
Amin AA, Eissa MA (2017) Biochar effects on nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiencies of zucchini plants grown in a calcareous sandy. J Soil Sci Plant Nut 17:912–921
Anawar HM, Akter F, Solaiman ZM, Strezov V (2015) Biochar: an emerging panacea for remediation of soil contaminants from mining, industry and sewage wastes. Pedosphere 25:654–665. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1002-0160(15)30046-1
Anderson CR, Condron LM, Clough TJ, Fiers M, Stewart A, Hill RA, Sherlock RR (2011) Biochar induced soil microbial community change: implications for biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Pedobiologia 54:309–320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedobi.2011.07.005
Angst TE, Six J, Reay DS, Sohi SP (2014) Impact of pine chip biochar on trace greenhouse gas emissions and soil nutrient dynamics in an annual ryegrass system in California. Agric Ecosyst Environ 191:17–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2014.03.009
Anyanwu IN, Alo MN, Onyekwere AM, Crosse JD, Nworie O, Chamba EB (2018) Influence of biochar aged in acidic soil on ecosystem engineers and two tropical agricultural plants. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 153:116–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.02.005
Are KS, Adelana AO, Fademi IO, Aina OA (2018) Improving physical properties of degraded soil: potential of poultry manure and biochar. Agric Nat Resour. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anres.2018.03.009
Arif M, Ali K, Jan MT, Shah Z, Jones DL, Quilliam RS (2016) Integration of biochar with animal manure and nitrogen for improving maize yields and soil properties in calcareous semi-arid agroecosystems. Field Crops Res 195:28–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2016.05.011
Arif M, Ilyas M, Riaz M, Ali K, Shan K, Haq IU, Fahad S (2017) Biochar improves phosphorus use efficiency of organic-inorganic fertilizers, maize-wheat productivity and soil quality in a low fertility alkaline soil. Field Crops Res 214:25–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2017.08.018
Atkinson CJ, Fitzgerald JD, Hipps NA (2010) Potential mechanisms for achieving agricultural benefits from biochar application to temperate soils: a review. Plant Soil 337:1–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-010-0464-5
Aung A, Han SH, Youn WB, Meng L, Cho MS, Park BB (2018) Biochar effects on the seedling quality of Quercus serrata and Prunus sargentii in a containerized production system. Forest Sci Technol. https://doi.org/10.1080/21580103.2018.1471011
Awad YM et al (2017) Biochar, a potential hydroponic growth substrate, enhances the nutritional status and growth of leafy vegetables. J Clean Prod 156:581–588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.04.070
Backer RGM, Saeed W, Seguin P, Smith DL (2017) Root traits and nitrogen fertilizer recovery efficiency of corn grown in biochar-amended soil under greenhouse conditions. Plant Soil 415:465–477. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-017-3180-6
Baechle B, Davis AS, Pittelkow CM (2018) Potential nitrogen losses in relation to spatially distinct soil management history and biochar addition. J Environ Qual 47:62–69. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2017.06.0246
Baiga R, Rao BKR (2017) Effects of biochar, urea and their co-application on nitrogen mineralization in soil and growth of Chinese cabbage. Soil Use Manag 33:54–61. https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.12328
Baronti S et al (2014) Impact of biochar application on plant water relations in Vitis vinifera (L.). Eur J Agron 53:38–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2013.11.003
Bashir S, Shaaban M, Mehmood S, Zhu J, Fu Q, Hu H (2018) Efficiency of C3 and C4 plant derived-biochar for cd mobility, nutrient cycling and microbial biomass in contaminated soil. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 20:1–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-018-2332-6
Batista E et al (2018) Effect of surface and porosity of biochar on water holding capacity aiming indirectly at preservation of the Amazon biome. Sci Rep 8:10677. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-28794-z
Beesley L, Moreno-Jimenez E, Gomez-Eyles JL, Harris E, Robinson B, Sizmur T (2011) A review of biochars' potential role in the remediation, revegetation and restoration of contaminated soils. Environ Pollut 159:3269–3282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2011.07.023
Beheshti M, Etesami H, Alikhani HA (2017) Interaction study of biochar with phosphate-solubilizing bacterium on phosphorus availability in calcareous soil. Arch Agron Soil Sci 63:1572–1581. https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2017.1295138
Beusch C, Cierjacks A, Bohm J, Mertens J, Bischoff WA, de Araujo JC, Kaupenjohann M (2019) Biochar vs clay: comparison of their effects on nutrient retention of a tropical. Arenosol Geoderma 337:524–535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2018.09.043
Biederman LA, Harpole WS (2013) Biochar and its effects on plant productivity and nutrient cycling: a meta-analysis. Glob Change Biol Bioenergy 5:202–214. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12037
Biederman LA, Phelps J, Ross B, Polzin M, Harpole WS (2017) Biochar and manure alter few aspects of prairie development: a field test. Agr Ecosyst Environ 236:78–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2016.11.016
Borchard N et al (2019) Biochar, soil and land-use interactions that reduce nitrate leaching and N2O emissions: a meta-analysis. Sci Total Environ 651:2354–2364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.060
Brantley KE, Savin MC, Brye KR, Longer DE (2016) Nutrient availability and corn growth in a poultry litter biochar-amended loam soil in a greenhouse experiment. Soil Use Manag 32:279–288. https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.12296
Bruun EW, Müller-Stöver D, Ambus P, Hauggaard-Nielsen H (2011) Application of biochar to soil and N2O emissions: potential effects of blending fast-pyrolysis biochar with anaerobically digested slurry. Eur J Soil Sci 62:581–589. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2389.2011.01377.x
Bu XL, Xue JH, Zhao CX, Wu YB, Han FY (2017) Nutrient leaching and retention in riparian soils as influenced by rice husk. Biochar Addit Soil Sci 182:241–247. https://doi.org/10.1097/ss.0000000000000217
Buss W, Graham MC, Shepherd JG, Mašek O (2016) Suitability of marginal biomass-derived biochars for soil amendment. Sci Total Environ 547:314–322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.148
Butnan S, Deenik JL, Toomsan B, Antal MJ, Vityakon P (2015) Biochar characteristics and application rates affecting corn growth and properties of soils contrasting in texture and mineralogy. Geoderma 237–238:105–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2014.08.010
Butnan S, Deenik JL, Toomsan B, Vityakon P (2018) Biochar properties affecting carbon stability in soils contrasting in texture and mineralogy. Agric Nat Resour. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anres.2018.03.002
Cai YJ, Akiyama H (2017) Effects of inhibitors and biochar on nitrous oxide emissions, nitrate leaching, and plant nitrogen uptake from urine patches of grazing animals on grasslands: a meta-analysis. Soil Sci Plant Nutr 63:405–414. https://doi.org/10.1080/00380768.2017.1367627
Cai Y, Chang SX (2016) biochar effects on soil fertility and nutrient cycling. In: Ok YS, Uchimiya SM, Chang SX, Bolan N (eds) Biochar: production, characterization, and applications, 1st edn. CRC Press, Boca Raton, pp 246–271
Cantrell KB, Hunt PG, Uchimiya M, Novak JM, Ro KS (2012) Impact of pyrolysis temperature and manure source on physicochemical characteristics of biochar. Bioresour Technol 107:419–428. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2011.11.084
Cao H et al (2019) Biochar can increase nitrogen use efficiency of Malus hupehensis by modulating nitrate reduction of soil and root. Appl Soil Ecol 135:25–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2018.11.002(eds)
Cayuela ML, van Zwieten L, Singh BP, Jeffery S, Roig A, Sánchez-Monedero MA (2014) Biochar's role in mitigating soil nitrous oxide emissions: a review and meta-analysis. Agric Ecosyst Environ 191:5–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2013.10.009
Chang Y-M, Tsai W-T, Li M-H (2015) Chemical characterization of char derived from slow pyrolysis of microalgal residue. J Anal Appl Pyrol 111:88–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2014.12.004
Chen B, Chen Z, Lv S (2011) A novel magnetic biochar efficiently sorbs organic pollutants and phosphate. Bioresour Technol 102:716–723. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2010.08.067
Chen H, Ma J, Wei J, Gong X, Yu X, Guo H, Zhao Y (2018) Biochar increases plant growth and alters microbial communities via regulating the moisture and temperature of green roof substrates. Sci Total Environ 635:333–342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.127
Cheng J, Lee X, Gao W, Chen Y, Pan W, Tang Y (2017) Effect of biochar on the bioavailability of difenoconazole and microbial community composition in a pesticide-contaminated soil. Appl Soil Ecol 121:185–192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2017.10.009
Cheng HG, Jones DL, Hill P, Bastami MS, Tu CL (2018) Influence of biochar produced from different pyrolysis temperature on nutrient retention and leaching. Arch Agron Soil Sci 64:850–859. https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2017.1384545
Ch'ng HY, Ahmed OH, Ab Majid NM, Jalloh MB (2017) Reducing soil phosphorus fixation to improve yield of maize on a tropical acid soil using compost and biochar derived from agro-industrial wastes. Compost Sci Util 205:82–94. https://doi.org/10.1080/1065657x.2016.1202795
Christel W, Bruun S, Magid J, Kwapinski W, Jensen LS (2016) Pig slurry acidification, separation technology and thermal conversion affect phosphorus availability in soil amended with the derived solid fractions, chars or ashes. Plant Soil 401:93–107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-015-2519-0
Clark M, Hastings MG, Ryals R (2019) Soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics in two agricultural soils amended with manure-derived biochar. J Environ Qual 48:727–734. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2018.10.0384
Clough T, Condron L, Kammann C, Müller C (2013) A review of biochar and soil nitrogen dynamics. Agronomy 3:275–293. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy3020275
Coelho MA, Fusconi R, Pinheiro L, Ramos IC, Ferreira AS (2018) The combination of compost or biochar with urea and NBPT can improve nitrogen-use efficiency in maize. Anais Acad Bras Cie 90:1695–1703. https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765201820170416
Compant S, Clément C, Sessitsch A (2010) Plant growth-promoting bacteria in the rhizo- and endosphere of plants: their role, colonization, mechanisms involved and prospects for utilization. Soil Biol Biochem 42:669–678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2009.11.024
Cordovil CMDS, Pinto R, Silva B, Sas-Paszt L, Sakrabani R, Skiba UM (2019) The impact of woody biochar on microbial processes in conventionally and organically managed arable soils. Commun Soil Sci Plant Anal 50:1387–1402. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2019.1614609
Cui HJ, Wang MK, Fu ML, Ci E (2011) Enhancing phosphorus availability in phosphorus-fertilized zones by reducing phosphate adsorbed on ferrihydrite using rice straw-derived biochar. J Soils Sed 11:1135–1141. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-011-0405-9
Cui YF, Meng J, Wang QX, Zhang WM, Cheng XY, Chen WF (2017) Effects of straw and biochar addition on soil nitrogen, carbon, and super rice yield in cold waterlogged paddy soils of North China. J Integrat Agric 16:1064–1074. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2095-3119(16)61578-2
Dai LC, Li H, Tan FR, Zhu NM, He MX, Hu GQ (2016) Biochar: a potential route for recycling of phosphorus in agricultural residues. Glob Change Biol Bioenergy 8:852–858. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12365
Dai Z, Zhang X, Tang C, Muhammad N, Wu J, Brookes PC, Xu J (2017) Potential role of biochars in decreasing soil acidification—a critical review. Sci Total Environ 581–582:601–611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.12.169
de Figueiredo CC, Farias WM, Coser TR, Monteiro de Paula A, Sartori da Silva MR, Paz-Ferreiro J (2019) Sewage sludge biochar alters root colonization of mycorrhizal fungi in a soil cultivated with corn. Eur J Soil Biol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejsobi.2019.103092
DeLuca TH, Gundale MJ, MacKenzie MD, Jones DL (2015) Biochar effects on soil nutrient transformations. In: Lehmann JJS (ed) Biochar for environmental management: science, technology and implementation, 2nd edn. Taylor and Francis, New York, pp 421–454
Dewi WS, Wahyuningsih GI, Syamsiyah J (2018) Mujiyo dynamics of N-NH4+, N-NO3-, and total soil nitrogen in paddy field with azolla and biochar. In: IOP conference series: earth and environmental science. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/142/1/012014
Ding Y et al (2016) Biochar to improve soil fertility: A review. Agron Sustain Dev. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-016-0372-z
Ding Y et al (2017) Potential benefits of biochar in agricultural soils: a review. Pedosphere 27:645–661. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1002-0160(17)60375-8
Dong X, Singh BP, Li G, Lin Q, Zhao X (2018) Biochar application constrained native soil organic carbon accumulation from wheat residue inputs in a long-term wheat-maize cropping system. Agric Ecosyst Environ 252:200–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2017.08.026
Dong D, Wang C, Van Zwieten L, Wang HL, Jiang PK, Zhou MM, Wu WX (2020) An effective biochar-based slow-release fertilizer for reducing nitrogen loss in paddy fields. J Soils Sed 20:3027–3040
Doydora SA, Cabrera ML, Das KC, Gaskin JW, Sonon LS, Miller WP (2011) Release of nitrogen and phosphorus from poultry litter amended with acidified biochar. Int J Env Res Public Health 8:1491–1502. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph8051491
Du ZJ, Xiao YT, Qi XB, Liu YA, Fan XY, Li ZY (2018) Peanut-shell biochar and biogas slurry improve soil properties in the North China Plain: a four-year field study. Sci Rep. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-31942-0
Ducey TF, Ippolito JA, Cantrell KB, Novak JM, Lentz RD (2013) Addition of activated switchgrass biochar to an aridic subsoil increases microbial nitrogen cycling gene abundances. Appl Soil Ecol 65:65–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2013.01.006
Efthymiou A, Grønlund M, Müller-Stöver DS, Jakobsen I (2018) Augmentation of the phosphorus fertilizer value of biochar by inoculation of wheat with selected Penicillium strains. Soil Biol Biochem 116:139–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2017.10.006
Elbashier MMA, Xiaohou S, Ali AAS, Mohmmed A (2018) Effect of digestate and biochar amendments on photosynthesis rate, growth parameters, water use efficiency and yield of Chinese Melon (Cucumis melo L.) under saline irrigation. Agronomy. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy8020022
El-Naggar A et al (2018a) Biochar influences soil carbon pools and facilitates interactions with soil: a field investigation. Land Degrad Dev. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2896
El-Naggar A et al (2018b) Influence of soil properties and feedstocks on biochar potential for carbon mineralization and improvement of infertile soils. Geoderma 332:100–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2018.06.017
El-Naggar A, Shaheen SM, Ok YS, Rinklebe J (2018c) Biochar affects the dissolved and colloidal concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn and their phytoavailability and potential mobility in a mining soil under dynamic redox-conditions. Sci Total Environ 624:1059–1071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.190
El-Naggar A et al (2019a) Biochar application to low fertility soils: a review of current status, and future prospects. Geoderma 337:536–554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2018.09.034
El-Naggar A et al (2019b) Biochar composition-dependent impacts on soil nutrient release, carbon mineralization, and potential environmental risk: a review. J Environ Manag 241:458–467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.02.044
Elshaikh NA, Zhipeng L, Dongli S, Timm LC (2018) Increasing the okra salt threshold value with biochar amendments. Journal of Plant Interactions 13:51–63. https://doi.org/10.1080/17429145.2017.1418914
Enders A, Hanley K, Whitman T, Joseph S, Lehmann J (2012) Characterization of biochars to evaluate recalcitrance and agronomic performance. Bioresour Technol 114:644–653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2012.03.022
Esfandbod M et al (2017) Aged acidic biochar increases nitrogen retention and decreases ammonia volatilization in alkaline bauxite residue sand. Ecol Eng 98:157–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2016.10.077
Eykelbosh AJ, Johnson MS, Santos de Queiroz E, Dalmagro HJ, Guimaraes Couto E (2014) Biochar from sugarcane filtercake reduces soil CO2 emissions relative to raw residue and improves water retention and nutrient availability in a highly-weathered tropical soil. PLoS One 9:e98523. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0098523
Fageria NK, Baligar VC (2005) Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency in crop plants. Advances in agronomy, vol 88. Academic Press, New York, pp 97–185. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2113(05)88004-6
Farhangi-Abriz S, Torabian S (2018) Effect of biochar on growth and ion contents of bean plant under saline condition. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-1446-z
Faria WM, de Figueiredo CC, Coser TR, Vale AT, Schneider BG (2017) Is sewage sludge biochar capable of replacing inorganic fertilizers for corn production? Evidence from a two-year field experiment. Arch Agron Soil Sci. https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2017.1360488
Fazal A, Bano A (2016) Role of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), biochar, and chemical fertilizer under salinity stress. Commun Soil Sci Plant Anal 47:1985–1993. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2016.1216562
Ferreira SD, Manera C, Silvestre WP, Pauletti GF, Altafini CR, Godinho M (2018) Use of biochar produced from elephant grass by pyrolysis in a screw reactor as a soil amendment waste. Biomass Valori 10:1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-018-0347-1
Fidel RB, Laird DA, Thompson ML, Lawrinenko M (2017) Characterization and quantification of biochar alkalinity. Chemosphere 167:367–373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.09.151
Figueredo NAd, Costa LMd, Melo LCA, Siebeneichlerd EA, Tronto J (2017) Characterization of biochars from different sources and evaluation of release of nutrients and contaminants. Rev Ciê Agron. https://doi.org/10.5935/1806-6690.20170046
Fu Q et al (2019) Effects of biochar application during different periods on soil structures and water retention in seasonally frozen soil areas. Sci Total Environ. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133732
Fungo B, Lehmann J, Kalbitz K, Thionģo M, Tenywa M, Okeyo I, Neufeldt H (2019) Ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions from a field Ultisol amended with tithonia green manure, urea, and biochar. Biol Fertility Soils 55:135–148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-018-01338-3
Gao S, Hoffman-Krull K, Bidwell AL, DeLuca TH (2016) Locally produced wood biochar increases nutrient retention and availability in agricultural soils of the San Juan Islands, USA. Agr Ecosyst Environ 233:43–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2016.08.028
Gavili E, Moosavi AA, Moradi Choghamarani F (2018) Cattle manure biochar potential for ameliorating soil physical characteristics and spinach response under drought. Arch Agron Soil Sci 10:1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2018.1453925
Gerdelidani AF, Hosseini HM (2018) Effects of sugar cane bagasse biochar and spent mushroom compost on phosphorus fractionation in calcareous soils. Soil Res 56:136–144. https://doi.org/10.1071/SR17091
Ghorbani M, Asadi H, Abrishamkesh S (2019) Effects of rice husk biochar on selected soil properties and nitrate leaching in loamy sand and clay soil. Int Soil Water Conserv Res 7:258–265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2019.05.005
Glaser B, Lehmann J, Zech W (2002) Ameliorating physical and chemical properties of highly weathered soils in the tropics with charcoal—a review. Biol Fertil Soils 35:219–230. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-002-0466-4
Gonzaga MIS, Mackowiak C, de Almeida AQ, de Carvalho Junior JIT, Andrade KR (2018) Positive and negative effects of biochar from coconut husks, orange bagasse and pine wood chips on maize (Zea mays L.) growth and nutrition. CATENA 162:414–420. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2017.10.018
Gonzaga MIS, de Souza DCF, de Almeida AQ, Mackowiak C, Lima ID, Santos JCD, de Andrade RS (2019) Nitrogen and phosphorus uptake efficiency in Indian mustard cultivated during three growth cycles in a copper contaminated soil treated with biochar. Cie Rural. https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-8478cr20170592
Greenberg I, Kaiser M, Polifka S, Wiedner K, Glaser B, Ludwig B (2019) The effect of biochar with biogas digestate or mineral fertilizer on fertility, aggregation and organic carbon content of a sandy soil: results of a temperate field experiment. J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 182:824–835. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.201800496
Grierson S, Strezov V, Shah P (2011) Properties of oil and char derived from slow pyrolysis of Tetraselmis chui. Bioresour Technol 102:8232–8240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2011.06.010
Gul S, Whalen JK (2016) Biochemical cycling of nitrogen and phosphorus in biochar-amended soils. Soil Biol Biochem 103:1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2016.08.001
Gunes A, Inal A, Taskin MB, Sahin O, Kaya EC, Atakol A (2014) Effect of phosphorus-enriched biochar and poultry manure on growth and mineral composition of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv) grown in alkaline soil. Soil Use Manag 30:182–188. https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.12114
Guo Y, Tang H, Li G, Xie D (2013) Effects of cow dung biochar amendment on adsorption and leaching of nutrient from an acid yellow soil irrigated with biogas slurry water. Air Soil Pollut. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-013-1820-x
Haefele SM, Konboon Y, Wongboon W, Amarante S, Maarifat AA, Pfeiffer EM, Knoblauch C (2011) Effects and fate of biochar from rice residues in rice-based systems. Field Crops Res 121:430–440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2011.01.014
Hagemann N, Kammann CI, Schmidt H-P, Kappler A, Behrens S (2017) Nitrate capture and slow release in biochar amended compost and soil. PLoS One 12:e0171214
Haider G, Steffens D, Moser G, Müller C, Kammann CI (2017) Biochar reduced nitrate leaching and improved soil moisture content without yield improvements in a four-year field study. Agric Ecosyst Environ 237:80–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2016.12.019
Hardie MA, Oliver G, Clothier BE, Bound SA, Green SA, Close DC (2015) Effect of biochar on nutrient leaching in a young apple orchard. J Environ Qual 44:1273–1282. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2015.02.0068
Herrmann L, Lesueur D, Robin A, Robain H, Wiriyakitnateekul W, Bräu L (2019) Impact of biochar application dose on soil microbial communities associated with rubber trees in North East Thailand. Sci Total Environ 689:970–979. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.441
Hilioti Z, Michailof CM, Valasiadis D, Iliopoulou EF, Koidou V, Lappas AA (2017) Characterization of castor plant-derived biochars and their effects as soil amendments on seedlings. Biomass Bioenergy 105:96–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2017.06.022
Horák J, Šimanský V, Igaz D (2019) Biochar and biochar with N fertilizer impact on soil physical properties in a silty loam Haplic Luvisol. J Ecol Eng 20:31–38. https://doi.org/10.12911/22998993/109857
Houben D, Hardy B, Faucon MP, Cornelis JT (2017) Effect of biochar on phosphorus bioavailability in an acidic silt loam soil. Biotechnol Agron Soc 21:209–217
Hu P, Zhang YH, Liu LP, Wang XK, Luan XL, Ma X, Chu PK, Zhou JC, Zhao PD (2019) Biochar/struvite composite as a novel potential material for slow release of N and P. Environ Sci Pollut R 26:17152–17162
Huang R et al (2019) Structural changes of soil organic matter and the linkage to rhizosphere bacterial communities with biochar amendment in manure fertilized soils. Sci Total Environ 692:333–343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.262
Hussain M et al (2017) Biochar for crop production: potential benefits and risks. J Soils Sed 17:685–716. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-016-1360-2
Igalavithana AD et al. (2016) The effects of biochar amendment on soil fertility. In: Agricultural and environmental applications of biochar: advances and barriers. SSSA Special Publication. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaspecpub63.2014.0040
Igalavithana AD et al (2018) Advances and future directions of biochar characterization methods and applications. Crit Rev Environ Sci Technol 47:2275–2330. https://doi.org/10.1080/10643389.2017.1421844
IBI (2015) Standardized product definition and product testing guidelines for biochar 6 that is used in soil. International Biochar Initiative
Ippolito JA, Stromberger ME, Lentz RD, Dungan RS (2014) Hardwood biochar influences calcareous soil physicochemical and microbiological status. J Environ Qual 43:681–689. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2013.08.0324
Jaisi DP, Blake RE, Kukkadapu RK (2010) Fractionation of oxygen isotopes in phosphate during its interactions with iron oxides. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 74:1309–1319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2009.11.010
Jatav HS, Singh SK, Singh Y, Kumar O (2018) Biochar and sewage sludge application increases yield and micronutrient uptake in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Commun Soil Sci Plant Anal 10:1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2018.1474900
Jin H, Capareda S, Chang Z, Gao J, Xu Y, Zhang J (2014) Biochar pyrolytically produced from municipal solid wastes for aqueous As(V) removal: adsorption property and its improvement with KOH activation. Bioresour Technol 169:622–629. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2014.06.103
Joseph S, Taylor P (2014) The production and application of biochar in soils. In: Waldron K (ed) Advances in biorefineries: biomass and waste supply chain exploitation. Woodhead Publishing Limited, Cambridge, pp 525–555. https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857097385.2.525
Juriga M, Šimanský V (2018) Effect of biochar on soil structure—review. Acta Fytotech Zootech 21:11–19. https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2018.21.01.11-19
Kambo HS, Dutta A (2015) A comparative review of biochar and hydrochar in terms of production, physico-chemical properties and applications. Renew Sust Energy Rev 45:359–378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.01.050
Kang SW, Kim SH, Park JH, Seo DC, Ok YS, Cho JS (2018) Effect of biochar derived from barley straw on soil physicochemical properties, crop growth, and nitrous oxide emission in an upland field in South Korea. Environ Sci Pollut R 10:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-1888-3
Karim AA, Kumar M, Singh SK, Panda CR, Mishra BK (2017) Potassium enriched biochar production by thermal plasma processing of banana peduncle for soil application. J Anal Appl Pyrol 123:165–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2016.12.009
Karunanithi R et al (2015) Chapter three—phosphorus recovery and reuse from waste streams. In: Sparks DL (ed) Advances in agronomy, vol 1131. Academic Press, New York, pp 173–250. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.agron.2014.12.005
Kasak K et al (2018) Biochar enhances plant growth and nutrient removal in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands. Sci Total Environ 639:67–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.146
Khanmohammadi Z, Afyuni M, Mosaddeghi MR (2017) Effect of sewage sludge and its biochar on chemical properties of two calcareous soils and maize shoot yield. Arch Agron Soil Sci 63:198–212. https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2016.1210787
Kondrlova E, Horak J, Igaz D (2018) Effect of biochar and nutrient amendment on vegetative growth of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. Malz). Aust J Crop Sci 12:178–184. https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.18.12.02.pne476
Laghari M et al (2016) Recent developments in biochar as an effective tool for agricultural soil management: a review. J Sci Food Agric 96:4840–4849. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.7753
Laird D, Fleming P, Wang B, Horton R, Karlen D (2010) Biochar impact on nutrient leaching from a Midwestern agricultural soil. Geoderma 158:436–442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2010.05.012
Lamb MC, Sorensen RB, Butts CL (2018) Crop response to biochar under differing irrigation levels in the southeastern USA. J Crop Improv 32:305–317. https://doi.org/10.1080/15427528.2018.1425791
Lee Y, Eum P-R-B, Ryu C, Park Y-K, Jung J-H, Hyun S (2013) Characteristics of biochar produced from slow pyrolysis of Geodae-Uksae 1. Bioresour Technol 130:345–350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2012.12.012
Lehmann J, da Silva JP, Steiner C, Nehls T, Zech W, Glaser B (2003) Nutrient availability and leaching in an archaeological Anthrosol and a Ferralsol of the Central Amazon basin: fertilizer, manure and charcoal amendments. Plant Soil 249:343–357. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022833116184
Lehmann J, Gaunt J, Rondon M (2006) Bio-char sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems—a review. Mitig Adapt Strat Glob Change 11:403–427. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11027-005-9006-5
Lehmann J, Rillig MC, Thies J, Masiello CA, Hockaday WC, Crowley D (2011) Biochar effects on soil biota—a review. Soil Biol Biochem 43:1812–1836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2011.04.022
Leng LJ et al (2020) Nitrogen containing functional groups of biochar: an overview. Bioresour Technol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122286
Li S, Shangguan Z (2018) Positive effects of apple branch biochar on wheat yield only appear at a low application rate, regardless of nitrogen and water conditions. J Soils Sed 10:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-018-1994-3
Li B, Bi ZC, Xiong ZQ (2017a) Dynamic responses of nitrous oxide emission and nitrogen use efficiency to nitrogen and biochar amendment in an intensified vegetable field in southeastern China. Glob Change Biol Bioenergy 9:400–413. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12356
Li H, Dong X, da Silva EB, de Oliveira LM, Chen Y, Ma LQ (2017b) Mechanisms of metal sorption by biochars: biochar characteristics and modifications. Chemosphere 178:466–478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.03.072
Li CJ, Xiong YW, Qu ZY, Xu X, Huang QZ, Huang GH (2018) Impact of biochar addition on soil properties and water-fertilizer productivity of tomato in semi-arid region of Inner Mongolia, China. Geoderma 331:100–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2018.06.014
Li M et al (2019) Three-year field observation of biochar-mediated changes in soil organic carbon and microbial activity. J Environ Qual 48:717–726. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2018.10.0354
Li H, Li Y, Xu Y, Lu X (2020) Biochar phosphorus fertilizer effects on soil phosphorus availability. Chemosphere 10:244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125471
Liesch AM (2010) Impact of two different biochars on earthworm growth and survival. Ann Environ Sci 4:10–2010
Lim T-J, Spokas K (2018) Impact of biochar particle shape and size on saturated hydraulic properties of Soil Korean. J Environ Agric 37:1–8. https://doi.org/10.5338/kjea.2018.37.1.09
Lima JRDS et al (2018) Effect of biochar on physicochemical properties of a sandy soil and maize growth in a greenhouse experiment. Geoderma 319:14–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2017.12.033
Liu C, Liu F, Ravnskov S, Rubaek GH, Sun Z, Andersen MN (2017a) Impact of wood biochar and its interactions with mycorrhizal fungi, phosphorus fertilization and irrigation strategies on potato growth. J Agron Crop Sci 203:131–145. https://doi.org/10.1111/jac.12185
Liu Z, He T, Cao T, Yang T, Meng J, Chen W (2017b) Effects of biochar application on nitrogen leaching, ammonia volatilization and nitrogen use efficiency in two distinct soils. J Soil Sci Plant Nut. https://doi.org/10.4067/s0718-95162017005000037
Liu Q et al (2018) How does biochar influence soil N cycle? A meta-analysis. Plant Soil 426:211–225. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-018-3619-4
Liu Z et al (2019) The responses of soil organic carbon mineralization and microbial communities to fresh and aged biochar soil amendments GCB. Bioenergy. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12644
Liu LY, Tan ZX, Gong HB, Huang QY (2019a) Migration and transformation mechanisms of nutrient elements (N, P, K) within biochar in straw-biochar-soil-plant systems: a review. ACS Sustain Chem Eng 7:22–32. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b04253
Liu X et al (2019b) Impact of biochar amendment on the abundance and structure of diazotrophic community in an alkaline soil. Sci Total Environ 688:944–951. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.293
Liu X, Liao J, Song H, Yang Y, Guan C, Zhang Z (2019c) A biochar-based route for environmentally friendly controlled release of nitrogen: urea-loaded biochar and bentonite composite. Sci Rep-Uk 9:9548
Loganathan P, Vigneswaran S, Kandasamy J, Bolan NS (2014) Removal and recovery of phosphate from water using sorption. Crit Rev Environ Sci Technol 44:847–907. https://doi.org/10.1080/10643389.2012.741311
Lone AH, Najar GR, Ganie MA, Sofi JA, Ali T (2015) Biochar for sustainable soil health: a review of prospects and concerns. Pedosphere 25:639–653. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1002-0160(15)30045-x
Lopez-Capel E et al (2016) Biochar properties, 1st edn. Tailor and Francis, Routledge
Lu K et al (2014) Effect of bamboo and rice straw biochars on the bioavailability of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn to Sedum plumbizincicola. Agric Ecosyst Environ 191:124–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2014.04.010
Lu H, Wang Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, He L, Zhong Z, Yang S (2018) Effects of water-washed biochar on soil properties, greenhouse gas emissions, and rice yield. Clean: Soil, Air, Water. https://doi.org/10.1002/clen.201700143
Lusiba S, Odhiambo J, Ogola J (2017) Effect of biochar and phosphorus fertilizer application on soil fertility: soil physical and chemical properties. Arch Agron Soil Sci 63:477–490. https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2016.1218477
Macdonald LM, Farrell M, Van Zwieten L, Krull ES (2014) Plant growth responses to biochar addition: an Australian soils perspective. Biol Fertil Soils 50:1035–1045. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-014-0921-z
Madiba OF, Solaiman ZM, Carson JK, Murphy DV (2016) Biochar increases availability and uptake of phosphorus to wheat under leaching conditions. Biol Fertil Soils 52:439–446. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-016-1099-3
Major J, Rondon M, Molina D, Riha SJ, Lehmann J (2010) Maize yield and nutrition during 4 years after biochar application to a Colombian savanna oxisol. Plant Soil 333:117–128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-010-0327-0
Major J, Rondon M, Molina D, Riha SJ, Lehmann J (2012) Nutrient leaching in a Colombian savanna Oxisol amended with biochar. J Environ Qual 41:1076–1086. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2011.0128
Mandal S, Thangarajan R, Bolan NS, Sarkar B, Khan N, Ok YS, Naidu R (2016) Biochar-induced concomitant decrease in ammonia volatilization and increase in nitrogen use efficiency by wheat. Chemosphere 142:120–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.04.086
Mandal S, Donner E, Vasileiadis S, Skinner W, Smith E, Lombi E (2018) The effect of biochar feedstock, pyrolysis temperature, and application rate on the reduction of ammonia volatilisation from biochar-amended soil. Sci Total Environ 627:942–950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.312
Mandal S, Donner E, Smith E, Sarkar B, Lombi E (2019) Biochar with near-neutral pH reduces ammonia volatilization and improves plant growth in a soil-plant system: a closed chamber experiment. Sci Total Environ 697:134114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134114
Mandal S, Pu S, Adhikari S, Ma H, Kim D-H, Bai Y, Hou D (2020) Progress and future prospects in biochar composites: application and reflection in the soil environment. Crit Rev Environ Sci Technol. https://doi.org/10.1080/10643389.2020.1713030
Mavi MS, Singh G, Singh BP, Sekhon BS, Choudhary OP, Sagi S, Berry R (2018) Interactive effects of rice-residue biochar and N-fertilizer on soil functions and crop biomass in contrasting soils. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr. https://doi.org/10.4067/s0718-95162018005000201
Meier S et al (2019) Effects of three biochars on copper immobilization and soil microbial communities in a metal-contaminated soil using a metallophyte and two agricultural plants. Environ Geochem Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-019-00436-x
Melo TM et al (2018) Plant and soil responses to hydrothermally converted sewage sludge (sewchar). Chemosphere 206:338–348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.04.178
Mendez A, Gomez A, Paz-Ferreiro J, Gasco G (2012) Effects of sewage sludge biochar on plant metal availability after application to a Mediterranean soil. Chemosphere 89:1354–1359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.05.092
Mierzwa-Hersztek M, Gondek K, Baran A (2016) Effect of poultry litter biochar on soil enzymatic activity, ecotoxicity and plant growth. Appl Soil Ecol 105:144–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2016.04.006
Miranda ND, Pimenta AS, da Silva GGC, Oliveira EMM, de Carvalho MAB (2017) Biochar as soil conditioner in the succession of upland rice and cowpea fertilized with nitrogen. Rev Caatinga 30:313–323. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252017v30n206rc
Mitchell K, French E, Beckerman J, Iyer-Pascuzzi A, Volenec J, Gibson K (2018) Biochar alters the root systems of large crabgrass. HortScience 53:354–359. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI12690-17
Muhammad N et al (2018) Biochar for sustainable soil and environment: a comprehensive review. Arab J Geosci 11:1–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-018-4074-5
Mukherjee A, Lal R (2014) The biochar dilemma. Soil Res. https://doi.org/10.1071/sr13359
Mukherjee A, Zimmerman AR, Harris W (2011) Surface chemistry variations among a series of laboratory-produced biochars. Geoderma 163:247–255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2011.04.021
Munoz C, Gongora S, Zagal E (2016) Use of biochar as a soil amendment: a brief review. Chilean J Agric Anim Sci 32:37–47
Nair VD, Nair PKR, Dari B, Freitas AM, Chatterjee N, Pinheiro FM (2017) Biochar in the agroecosystem–climate-change–sustainability nexus. Front Plant Sci. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2017.02051
Nguyen DH, Scheer C, Rowlings DW, Grace PR (2016) Rice husk biochar and crop residue amendment in subtropical cropping soils: effect on biomass production, nitrogen use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. Biol Fertil Soils 52:261–270. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-015-1074-4
Nguyen TTN et al (2017a) Short-term effects of organo-mineral biochar and organic fertilisers on nitrogen cycling, plant photosynthesis, and nitrogen use efficiency. J Soils Sedim 17:2763–2774. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-017-1839-5
Nguyen TTN et al (2017b) Effects of biochar on soil available inorganic nitrogen: a review and meta-analysis. Geoderma 288:79–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2016.11.004
Nguyen TTN et al (2018) The effects of short term, long term and reapplication of biochar on soil bacteria. Sci Total Environ 636:142–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.278
Nguyen BT, Phan BT, Nguyen TX, Nguyen VN, Tran TV, Bach QV (2020) Contrastive nutrient leaching from two differently textured paddy soils as influenced by biochar addition. J Soils Sedim 20:297–307. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-019-02366-8
Noyce GL, Jones T, Fulthorpe R, Basiliko N (2017) Phosphorus uptake and availability and short-term seedling growth in three Ontario soils amended with ash and biochar. Can J Soil Sci 97:678–691. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjss-2017-0007
Oh TK, Shinogi Y, Lee SJ, Choi B (2014) Utilization of biochar impregnated with anaerobically digested slurry as slow-release fertilizer. J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 177:97–103. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.201200487
Oladele SO (2019) Changes in physicochemical properties and quality index of an Alfisol after three years of rice husk biochar amendment in rainfed rice—maize cropping sequence. Geoderma 353:359–371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.06.038
Ouyang L, Tang Q, Yu L, Zhang R (2014) Effects of amendment of different biochars on soil enzyme activities related to carbon mineralisation. Soil Res 52:706–716. https://doi.org/10.1071/SR14075
Palansooriya KN, Ok YS, Awad YM, Lee SS, Sung J-K, Koutsospyros A, Moon DH (2019) Impacts of biochar application on upland agriculture: a review. J Environ Manag 234:52–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.12.085
Pandit NR, Mulder J, Hale SE, Zimmerman AR, Pandit BH, Cornelissen G (2018) Multi-year double cropping biochar field trials in Nepal: finding the optimal biochar dose through agronomic trials and cost-benefit analysis. Sci Total Environ 637–638:1333–1341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.107
Peake LR, Reid BJ, Tang X (2014) Quantifying the influence of biochar on the physical and hydrological properties of dissimilar soils. Geoderma 235–236:182–190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2014.07.002
Peng X, Ye LL, Wang CH, Zhou H, Sun B (2011) Temperature- and duration-dependent rice straw-derived biochar: characteristics and its effects on soil properties of an Ultisol in southern China. Soil Tillage Res 112:159–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2011.01.002
Peng C, Li Q, Zhang Z, Wu Z, Song X, Zhou G, Song X (2019) Biochar amendment changes the effects of nitrogen deposition on soil enzyme activities in a Moso bamboo plantation. J Forest Res 24:275–284. https://doi.org/10.1080/13416979.2019.1646970
Pfister M, Saha S (2017) Effects of biochar and fertilizer management on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) feedstock and soil properties. Arch Agron Soil Sci 63:651–662. https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2016.1228894
Prakongkep N, Gilkes RJ, Wiriyakitnateekul W (2015) Forms and solubility of plant nutrient elements in tropical plant waste biochars. J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 178:732–740. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.201500001
Prapagdee S, Tawinteung N (2017) Effects of biochar on enhanced nutrient use efficiency of green bean Vigna radiata L. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 24:9460–9467. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-8633-1
Purakayastha TJ, Kumari S, Pathak H (2015) Characterisation, stability, and microbial effects of four biochars produced from crop residues. Geoderma 239–240:293–303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2014.11.009
Purakayastha TJ, Das KC, Gaskin J, Harris K, Smith JL, Kumari S (2016) Effect of pyrolysis temperatures on stability and priming effects of C3 and C4 biochars applied to two different soils. Soil Tillage Res 155:107–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2015.07.011
Purakayastha TJ et al (2019) A review on biochar modulated soil condition improvements and nutrient dynamics concerning crop yields: pathways to climate change mitigation and global food security. Chemosphere 227:345–365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.03.170
Rafique M, Ortas I, Rizwan M, Chaudhary HJ, Gurmani AR, Munis MFH (2020) Residual effects of biochar and phosphorus on growth and nutrient accumulation by maize (Zea mays. L) amended with microbes in texturally different soils. Chemosphere. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124710
Ralebitso-Senior TK, Orr CH (2016) Microbial ecology analysis of biochar-augmented soils: setting the scene. In: Ralebitso-Senior TK, Orr CH (eds) Biochar application: essential soil microbial ecology, 1st edn. Elsevier, Oxford, p 330
Razzaghi F, Obour PB, Arthur E (2020) Does biochar improve soil water retention? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Geoderma. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.114055
Reich M, Aghajanzadeh T, De Kok LJ (2014) Physiological basis of plant nutrient use efficiency—concepts, opportunities and challenges for its improvement. In: Hawkesford ML, Kopriva K, Luit J. De Kok LJ (eds) Nutrient efficiency in plants: concepts and aproaches
Rodriguez-Vila A, Forjan R, Guedes R, Covelo E (2017) Nutrient phytoavailability in a mine soil amended with technosol and biochar and vegetated with Brassica juncea. J Soils Sed 17:1653–1661. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-016-1643-7
Sadegh-Zadeh F, Tolekolai SF, Bahmanyar MA, Emadi M (2018) Application of biochar and compost for enhancement of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain yield in calcareous sandy. Soil Commun Soil Sci Plant Anal 49:552–566. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2018.1431272
Sahin O, Taskin MB, Kaya EC, Atakol O, Emir E, Inal A, Gunes A (2017) Effect of acid modification of biochar on nutrient availability and maize growth in a calcareous soil. Soil Use Manag 33:447–456. https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.12360
Saleh SM, Harris RF, Allen ON (1970) Fate of Bacillus thuringiensis in soil: effect of soil pH and organic amendment. Can J Microbiol 16:677–680. https://doi.org/10.1139/m70-116
Sarfraz R, Hussain A, Sabir A, Ben Fekih I, Ditta A, Xing S (2019) Role of biochar and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria to enhance soil carbon sequestration-a review. Environ Monit Assess 191:251. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-019-7400-9
Sarkar D, Baishya LK (2017) Essential plant nutrients: uptake, use efficiency, and management. In: Naeem M, Ansari AA, Gill SS (eds). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58841-4
Sashidhar P, Kochar M, Singh B, Gupta M, Cahill D, Adholeya A, Dubey M (2020) Biochar for delivery of agri-inputs: current status and future perspectives. Sci Total Environ. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134892
Schofield HK, Pettitt TR, Tappin AD, Rollinson GK, Fitzsimons MF (2019) Biochar incorporation increased nitrogen and carbon retention in a waste-derived soil. Sci Total Environ 690:1228–1236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.116
Shaaban M et al (2018) A concise review of biochar application to agricultural soils to improve soil conditions and fight pollution. J Environ Manag 228:429–440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.09.006
Shahbaz AK et al (2018) Improvement in productivity, nutritional quality, and antioxidative defense mechanisms of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) in nickel contaminated soil amended with different biochar and zeolite ratios. J Environ Manag 218:256–270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.04.046
Shepherd JG, Buss W, Sohi SP, Heal KV (2017) Bioavailability of phosphorus, other nutrients and potentially toxic elements from marginal biomass-derived biochar assessed in barley (Hordeum vulgare) growth experiments. Sci Total Environ 584–585:448–457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.028
Shi RY, Ni N, Nkoh JN, Li JY, Xu RK, Qian W (2019) Beneficial dual role of biochars in inhibiting soil acidification resulting from nitrification. Chemosphere 234:43–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.06.030
Shi W, Ju YY, Bian RJ, Li LQ, Joseph S, Mitchell DRG, Munroe P, Taherymoosavi S, Pan GX (2020) Biochar bound urea boosts plant growth and reduces nitrogen leaching. Sci Total Environ 701:43
Si L, Xie Y, Ma Q, Wu L (2018) The short-term effects of rice straw biochar nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer on rice yield and soil properties in a cold waterlogged paddy. Field Sustain. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020537
Singh BP, Hatton BJ, Singh B, Cowie AL, Kathuria A (2010) Influence of biochars on nitrous oxide emission and nitrogen leaching from two contrasting soils. J Environ Qual 39:1224–1235. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2009.0138
Sistani KR, Simmons JR, Jn-Baptiste M, Novak JM (2019) Poultry litter, biochar, and fertilizer effect on corn yield, nutrient uptake, N2O and CO2. Emissions Environ. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments6050055
Sohi S, Lopez-Capel E, Krull E, Bol R (2009) Biochar, climate change and soil: a review to guide future research vol 05. CSIRO
Sohi SP, Krull E, Lopez-Capel E, Bol R (2010) A Review of biochar and its use and function in soil. Adv Agronomy 105:47–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0065-2113(10)05002-9
Song D, Tang J, Xi X, Zhang S, Liang G, Zhou W, Wang X (2018) Responses of soil nutrients and microbial activities to additions of maize straw biochar and chemical fertilization in a calcareous soil. Eur J Soil Biol 84:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejsobi.2017.11.003
Sorrenti G, Ventura M, Toselli M (2016) Effect of biochar on nutrient retention and nectarine tree performance: a three-year field trial. J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 179:336–346. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.201500497
Speratti AB, Johnson MS, Sousa HM, Dalmagro HJ, Couto EG (2018) Biochars from local agricultural waste residues contribute to soil quality and plant growth in a Cerrado region (Brazil). Arenosol GCB Bioenergy 10:272–286. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12489
Spokas KA, Koskinen WC, Baker JM, Reicosky DC (2009) Impacts of woodchip biochar additions on greenhouse gas production and sorption/degradation of two herbicides in a Minnesota soil. Chemosphere 77:574–581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.06.053
Steiner C, Glaser B, Geraldes Teixeira W, Lehmann J, Blum WEH, Zech W (2008) Nitrogen retention and plant uptake on a highly weathered central Amazonian Ferralsol amended with compost and charcoal. J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 171:893–899. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.200625199
Subedi R, Taupe N, Pelissetti S, Petruzzelli L, Bertora C, Leahy JJ, Grignani C (2016) Greenhouse gas emissions and soil properties following amendment with manure-derived biochars: influence of pyrolysis temperature and feedstock type. J Environ Manag 166:73–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.10.007
Taghizadeh-Toosi A, Clough TJ, Sherlock RR, Condron LM (2012) Biochar adsorbed ammonia is bioavailable. Plant Soil 350:57–69. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-011-0870-3
Tarin MWK et al (2019) Effects of different biochars ammendments on physiochemical properties of soil and root morphological attributes of Fokenia Hodginsii (Fujian cypress). Appl Ecol Environ Res 17:11107–11120. https://doi.org/10.15666/aeer/1705_1110711120
Taskin E, de Castro BC, Allegretta I, Terzano R, Rosa AH, Loffredo E (2019) Multianalytical characterization of biochar and hydrochar produced from waste biomasses for environmental and agricultural applications. Chemosphere 233:422–430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.204
Tian X, Wang L, Hou Y, Wang H, Tsang YF, Wu J (2019) Responses of soil microbial community structure and activity to incorporation of straws and straw biochars and their effects on soil respiration and soil organic carbon turnover. Pedosphere 29:492–503. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1002-0160(19)60813-1
Tomczyk A, Boguta P, Sokolowska Z (2019) Biochar efficiency in copper removal from Haplic soils (vol 16, pg 4899, 2019). Int J Environ Sci Technol 16:4913–4913. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-019-02434-z
Tomczyk A, Sokolowska Z, Boguta P (2020) Biochar physicochemical properties: pyrolysis temperature and feedstock kind effects. Rev Environ Sci Bio-Technol 19:191–215. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11157-020-09523-3
Vaughn SF, Dinelli FD, Kenar JA, Jackson MA, Thomas AJ, Peterson SC (2018) Physical and chemical properties of pyrolyzed biosolids for utilization in sand-based turfgrass rootzones. Waste Manag. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2018.04.009
Ventura M, Sorrenti G, Panzacchi P, George E, Tonon G (2013) Biochar reduces short-term nitrate leaching from a horizon in an apple orchard. J Environ Qual 42:76–82. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2012.0250
Vithanage M et al (2017) Interaction of arsenic with biochar in soil and water: a critical review. Carbon 113:219–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2016.11.032
Wang T, Camps-Arbestain M, Hedley M (2013) The fate of phosphorus of ash-rich biochars in a soil-plant system. Plant Soil 375:61–74. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-013-1938-z
Wang J et al (2015) Effects of biochar amendment on greenhouse gas emissions, net ecosystem carbon budget and properties of an acidic soil under intensive vegetable production. Soil Use Manag 31:375–383. https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.12202
Wang B, Gao B, Zimmerman AR, Zheng Y, Lyu H (2018) Novel biochar-impregnated calcium alginate beads with improved water holding and nutrient retention properties. J Environ Manag 209:105–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.12.041
Wang G, Govinden R, Chenia HY, Ma Y, Guo D, Ren G (2019) Suppression of Phytophthora blight of pepper by biochar amendment is associated with improved soil bacterial properties. Biol Fertil Soils 55:813–824. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-019-01391-6
Wang D, Felice ML, Scow KM (2020) Impacts and interactions of biochar and biosolids on agricultural soil microbial communities during dry and wet-dry cycles. Appl Soil Ecol 152:103570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2020.103570
Weber K, Quicker P (2018) Properties of biochar. Fuel 217:240–261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2017.12.054
Werner S, Katzl K, Wichern M, Buerkert A, Steiner C, Marschner B (2018) Agronomic benefits of biochar as a soil amendment after its use as waste water filtration medium. Environ Pollut 233:561–568. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.10.048
Weyers SL, Spokas KA (2011) Impact of biochar on earthworm populations: a review. Appl Environ Soil Sci 2011:541592. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/541592
Wrobel-Tobiszewska A, Boersma M, Sargison J, Adams P, Jarick S (2015) An economic analysis of biochar production using residues from Eucalypt plantations. Biomass Bioenergy 81:177–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2015.06.015
Wu LP, Wei CB, Zhang SR, Wang YD, Kuzyakov Y, Ding XD (2019a) MgO-modified biochar increases phosphate retention and rice yields in saline-alkaline soil. J Clean Prod 235:901–909. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.07.043
Wu Z, Zhang X, Dong Y, Li B, Xiong Z (2019b) Biochar amendment reduced greenhouse gas intensities in the rice-wheat rotation system: six-year field observation and meta-analysis. Agric For Meteorol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2019.107625
Xiao R et al (2018) Biochar produced from mineral salt-impregnated chicken manure: fertility properties and potential for carbon sequestration. Waste Manag 78:802–810. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2018.06.047
Xu X, Zhao Y, Sima J, Zhao L, Masek O, Cao X (2017) Indispensable role of biochar-inherent mineral constituents in its environmental applications: a review. Bioresour Technol 241:887–899. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2017.06.023
Xu Y et al (2019) A further inquiry into co-pyrolysis of straws with manures for heavy metal immobilization in manure-derived biochars. J Hazard Mater. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.120870
Yadav V, Khare P, Deshmukh Y, Shanker K, Nigam N, Karak T (2018) Performance of biochar derived from Cymbopogon winterianus waste at two temperatures on soil properties and growth of Bacopa monneri. Commun Soil Sci Plant Anal 49:2741–2764. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2018.1538371
Yan Q et al (2019a) Effects of maize straw-derived biochar application on soil temperature, water conditions and growth of winter wheat. Eur J Soil Sci 70:1280–1289. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejss.12863
Yan S et al (2019b) Biochar application on paddy and purple soils in southern China: soil carbon and biotic activity. R Soc Open Sci. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.181499
Yang X et al (2018) Characterization of bioenergy biochar and its utilization for metal/metalloid immobilization in contaminated soil. Sci Total Environ 640–641:704–713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.298
Yao Y, Gao B, Zhang M, Inyang M, Zimmerman AR (2012) Effect of biochar amendment on sorption and leaching of nitrate, ammonium, and phosphate in a sandy soil. Chemosphere 89:1467–1471. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.06.002
Yao Q, Liu JJ, Yu ZH, Li YS, Jin J, Liu XB, Wang GH (2017) Three years of biochar amendment alters soil physiochemical properties and fungal community composition in a black soil of northeast China. Soil Biol Biochem 110:56–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2017.03.005
Yu L, Lu X, He Y, Brookes PC, Liao H, Xu JM (2017) Combined biochar and nitrogen fertilizer reduces soil acidity and promotes nutrient use efficiency by soybean crop. J Soils Sed 17:599–610. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-016-1447-9
Yu X et al (2018) Combined effects of straw-derived biochar and bio-based polymer-coated urea on nitrogen use efficiency and cotton yield. Chem Spec Bioavail. https://doi.org/10.1080/09542299.2018.1518730
Yu H et al (2019) Biochar amendment improves crop production in problem soils: a review. J Environ Manag 232:8–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.10.117
Yuan HR, Lu T, Wang YZ, Chen Y, Lei TZ (2016) Sewage sludge biochar: nutrient composition and its effect on the leaching of soil nutrients. Geoderma 267:17–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2015.12.020
Yuan Y, Bolan N, Prevoteau A, Vithanage M, Biswas JK, Ok YS, Wang H (2017) Applications of biochar in redox-mediated reactions. Bioresour Technol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2017.06.154
Yue Y, Cui L, Lin Q, Li G, Zhao X (2017) Efficiency of sewage sludge biochar in improving urban soil properties and promoting grass growth. Chemosphere 173:551–556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.01.096
Zhang Q-Z, Wang X-H, Du Z-L, Liu X-R, Wang Y-D (2013) Impact of biochar on nitrate accumulation in an alkaline soil. Soil Res 51:521–528. https://doi.org/10.1071/SR13153
Zhang HZ, Chen CR, Gray EM, Boyd SE, Yang H, Zhang DK (2016) Roles of biochar in improving phosphorus availability in soils: a phosphate adsorbent and a source of available phosphorus. Geoderma 276:1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2016.04.020
Zhang XY, Gao B, Creamer AE, Cao CC, Li YC (2017) Adsorption of VOCs onto engineered carbon materials: a review. J Hazard Mater 338:102–123
Zhang H et al (2019) Effect of straw and straw biochar on the community structure and diversity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea in rice-wheat rotation ecosystems. Sci Rep-Uk. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-45877-7
Zhang M, Riaz M, Zhang L, Xia H, El-desouki Z, Jiang C (2019a) Response of fungal communities in different soils to biochar and chemical fertilizers under simulated rainfall conditions. Sci Total Environ 691:654–663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.151
Zhang X, Duan P, Wu Z, Xiong Z (2019b) Aged biochar stimulated ammonia-oxidizing archaea and bacteria-derived N2O and NO production in an acidic vegetable soil. Sci Total Environ 687:433–440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.128
Zhang X, Li H, Li M, Wen G, Hu Z (2019c) Influence of individual and combined application of biochar, Bacillus megaterium, and phosphatase on phosphorus availability in calcareous soil. J Soils Sedim. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-019-02338-y
Zhang Z, Zhu Z, Shen B, Liu L (2019d) Insights into biochar and hydrochar production and applications: a review. Energy 171:581–598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2019.01.035
Zhang Q, Song Y, Wu Z, Yan X, Gunina A, Kuzyakov Y, Xiong Z (2020) Effects of six-year biochar amendment on soil aggregation, crop growth, and nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiencies in a rice-wheat rotation. J Clean Prod. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118435
Zhao YH, Zhao L, Mei YY, Li FY, Cao XD (2018) Release of nutrients and heavy metals from biochar-amended soil under environmentally relevant conditions. Environ Sci Pollut Res 25:2517–2527. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-0668-9
Zheng J et al (2017) Biochar compound fertilizer increases nitrogen productivity and economic benefits but decreases carbon emission of maize production. Agric Ecosyst Environ 241:70–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2017.02.034
Zheng H, Wang X, Luo X, Wang Z, Xing B (2018) Biochar-induced negative carbon mineralization priming effects in a coastal wetland soil: roles of soil aggregation and microbial modulation. Sci Total Environ 610–611:951–960. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.166
Zhou CF, Heal K, Tigabu M, Xia LD, Hu HY, Yin DY, Ma XQ (2020) Biochar addition to forest plantation soil enhances phosphorus availability and soil bacterial community diversity. For Ecol Manag. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2019.117635
Zhu X et al (2016) Tracking the conversion of nitrogen during pyrolysis of antibiotic mycelial fermentation residues using XPS and TG-FTIR-MS technology. Environ Pollut 211:20–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2015.12.032
Acknowledgements
MZH acknowledges scholarship from the University of Newcastle, Australia, and Cooperative Research Centre for High Performance Soils (Soil CRC).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hossain, M.Z., Bahar, M.M., Sarkar, B. et al. Biochar and its importance on nutrient dynamics in soil and plant. Biochar 2, 379–420 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42773-020-00065-z
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42773-020-00065-z