Biochar: A Natural Soil Remedy for Sustainable Agricultural Growth- A Critical Review

Abstract

Intensive agricultural practices have led to widespread soil degradation, emphasizing the crucial need for sustainable soil management strategies. Biochar, a carbon-rich byproduct of pyrolysis, has garnered attention for its eco-friendly attributes and its capacity to improve soil quality. Noteworthy properties of biochar, including pH levels, expansive surface area, cation exchange capacity, and nutrient composition, contribute positively to soil attributes and overall fertility. While previous reviews have primarily focused on its environmental benefits, such as carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation, this comprehensive review takes a broader perspective. It provides a concise summary of biochar's impact on various soil properties, encompassing physical, chemical, and biological aspects, its potential in remediating heavy metal-contaminated soils, its influence on crop productivity, its role in regulating nutrient availability, its effects on soil characteristics, the mechanisms at play in soil, and the pertinent factors influencing biochar application. This refined overview aims to offer a precise and pertinent examination of the subject matter