Biochar modulating soil biological health: A review

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2024-03, Vol.914, p.169585-169585, Article 169585
• Main Authors: Bolan, Shiv, Sharma, Shailja, Mukherjee, Santanu, Kumar, Manish, Rao, Ch. Srinivasa, Nataraj, K.C., Singh, Gurwinder, Vinu, Ajayan, Bhowmik, Arnab, Sharma, Harmandeep, El-Naggar, Ali, Chang, Scott X., Hou, Deyi, Rinklebe, Jörg, Wang, Hailong, Siddique, Kadambot H.M., Abbott, Lynette K., Kirkham, M.B., Bolan, Nanthi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169585

Biochar can be used for multifunctional applications including the improvement of soil health and carbon storage, remediation of contaminated soil and water resources, mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and odorous compounds, and feed supplementation to improve animal health. A healthy soil preserves microbial biodiversity that is effective in supressing plant pathogens and pests, recycling nutrients for plant growth, promoting positive symbiotic associations with plant roots, improving soil structure to supply water and nutrients, and ultimately enhancing soil productivity and plant growth. As a soil amendment, biochar assures soil biological health through different processes. First, biochar supports habitats for microorganisms due to its porous nature and by promoting the formation of stable soil micro-aggregates. Biochar also serves as a carbon and nutrient source. Biochar alters soil physical and chemical properties, creating optimum soil conditions for microbial diversity. Biochar can also immobilize soil pollutants and reduce their bioavailability that would otherwise inhibit microbial growth. However, depending on the pyrolysis settings and feedstock resources, biochar can be comprised of contaminants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and potentially toxic elements that can inhibit microbial activity, thereby impacting soil health. [Display omitted] •The pore space architecture of biochar impact the habitat for microbial community.•Co-location of carbon and nutrients in biochar promotes microbial diversity•Biochar alters soil properties, creating ideal micro-environment for microbial growth•Biochar reduces bioavailability of soil contaminants that inhibit microbial growth•The present of toxic contaminants (PAH) in biochar can limit microbial function