The Black Gold: How Biochar Can Save Our Soils and Climate
Ashoka, P
Agriculture Research Station (UASD) Hanumanmatti(p) Ranebennur (TQ), Haveri (District)– 581 115 Karanataka State, India.
Subedar Singh *
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Motherhood University, Roorkee, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
P. A. Ramsem
ICAR-KVK, Ukhrul, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region Manipur Centre, India.
Lalita Kumar Mohanty
KVK Jajpur Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Bhubaneswar, India.
Hari Shankar Singh
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur Pincode- 208002, India.
Sabarinathan Babu
Department of Remote Sensing & GIS, TNAU, Coimbatore – 641003, India.
Narinder Panotra
Institute of Biotechnology SKUAST Jammu, Chatha (J&K)-180009, India.
Kamal Kishore
Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (Himachal Pradesh), India.
Sweeta Manhas
Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, SKUAST-Jammu, 180009, India.
Sahil Chauhan
Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (Himachal Pradesh), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Biochar, a charcoal-like substance produced from organic waste, has emerged as a promising solution to restore degraded soils, enhance agricultural productivity, and mitigate climate change. This review explores the potential of biochar as a sustainable soil amendment and carbon sequestration strategy. By examining the production process, physicochemical properties, and interactions with soil and plants, we highlight the multifaceted benefits of biochar application. Moreover, we discuss the challenges and future prospects of biochar utilization in agriculture and environmental management. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of biochar's role in improving soil health, crop yields, and carbon storage, ultimately contributing to global food security and climate change mitigation efforts.
Keywords: Biochar, soil amendment, carbon sequestration, sustainable agriculture, climate change mitigation