Book chapter
Biochar for Sustainable Soils, Agriculture, and Climate Change Mitigation
Soil Constraints and Productivity, pp.219-238
CRC Press, 1st Edition
2023
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Abstract
Soil health is a state of a soil that allows it to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. Poor agricultural techniques, acidification, deforestation, and overgrazing cause soil degradation and soil erosion, which eventually reduce soil fertility, crop yield, and production. Various amendments like biofertilizers, chemical fertilizers, and soil amendments (e.g., animal manure, compost, crop residues, and gypsum) are used to improve soil health and fertility with certain limitations. However, among the organic ameliorants, biochar has received significant attention in recent years because it is highly porous, stable, ecofriendly and retains nutrients. Subsequently, after its addition to soil, nutrient losses are reduced, crop production is increased, and soil health is sustained. Biochar sequesters carbon in soil and reduces emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as CO2, CH4, and N2O, to mitigate climate change. In this chapter, the impact of biochar on soil and plant health and the factors influencing its effectiveness (e.g., feedstock type, pyrolytic temperature, soil type, environmental conditions, and crop species) are elucidated. Furthermore, the potential of biochar to enhance plant yield, mitigate the emission of GHGs, and improve soil properties, like increased porosity, decreased bulk density, and increased water-holding capacity and carbon sequestration, are discussed.
Details
- Title
- Biochar for Sustainable Soils, Agriculture, and Climate Change Mitigation
- Creators
- Amna ZulfqarNabeel Khan NiaziMuhammad Mahroz HussainRabia AmenIrshad BibiMuhammad ShahidKhalid HussainFazila YounasHamna BashirMuhammad Jahandad Khan
- Contributors
- Nanthi Bolan (Editor)M. B. Kirkham (Editor)
- Publication Details
- Soil Constraints and Productivity, pp.219-238
- Publisher
- CRC Press
- Edition
- 1st Edition
- Identifiers
- 991013101605602368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Book chapter