Biochar as a Sustainable Soil Amendment: Impacts on Soil Fertility, Nutrient Dynamics, and Crop Yield: A Review

Abstract

Biochar has emerged as a promising soil amendment for improving soil fertility, enhancing nutrient availability, and increasing crop productivity under sustainable agricultural systems. Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through the pyrolysis of organic biomass in the absence of oxygen or under limited oxygen conditions. Application of biochar improves soil physical, chemical, and biological properties by enhancing soil structure, water holding capacity, cation exchange capacity, microbial activity, and nutrient retention. Biochar also plays an important role in regulating nutrient dynamics by reducing nutrient leaching and increasing nutrient use efficiency. Several studies have reported significant improvements in plant growth, yield attributes, and crop productivity following biochar application in different soil types and cropping systems. In addition, biochar contributes to environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the effectiveness of biochar varies depending on feedstock type, pyrolysis conditions, soil characteristics, and application rates. This review highlights the effects of biochar on soil fertility, nutrient dynamics, and crop productivity, along with its environmental implications, limitations, and future research prospects for sustainable agriculture.