Potential Benefits of Biochar in Agricultural Soils: A Review

Soil degradation, characterized by declines in nutrient status and simultaneous accumulation of pesticide residues, is a major problem affecting agricultural ecosystems. Previous studies indicate that biochar application to soil has promise as a practical method to alleviate these pressures: increasing crop yield and enhancing pesticide degradation. Here, we review the roles of biochar in both chemical and biological promotion of pesticide degradation and the potential benefits of biochar relating to the efficiency of fertilizer use, availability of nutrients, and nutrient exchange. Biochar typically has a high surface area featuring many functional groups, a high cation exchange capacity, and high stability. Major factors that impact on the nutrient retention characteristics of biochar (e.g., feedstock, pyrolysis temperature, and application rate) are also discussed herein. Nonetheless, more studies of the long-term impacts on soil properties from biochar addition are still required before it can be possible to accurately quantify the sustainability of this approach to sequester carbon and restore soil function.