Abstract
The exercise of biochar in agribusiness has increased proportionally in recent years. It has been indicated that biochar application could strengthen soil fertility benefits, such as improvement in soil microbial activity, abatement of bulk density, amelioration of nutrient and water-holding capacity and immutability of soil organic matter. Additionally, biochar amendment could also improve nutrient availability such as phosphorus and nitrogen in different types of soil. Most interestingly, the locally available wastes are pyrolyzed to biochar to improve the relationship among plants, soil and the environment. This can also be of higher importance to small-scale farming, and the biochar produced can be utilized in farms for the improvement of crop productivity. Thus, biochar could be a potential amendment to a soil that could help in achieving sustainable agriculture and environment. However, before mainstream formulation and renowned biochar use, several challenges must be taken into consideration, as the beneficial impacts and potential use of biochar seem highly appealing. This review is based on confined knowledge taken from different field-, laboratory- and greenhouse-based studies. It is well known that the properties of biochar vary with feedstock, pyrolysis temperature (300, 350, 400, 500, and 600 °C) and methodology of preparation. It is of high concern to further investigate the negative consequences: hydrophobicity; large scale application in farmland; production cost, primarily energy demand; and environmental threat, as well as affordability of feedstock. Nonetheless, the current literature reflects that biochar could be a significant amendment to the agroecosystem in order to tackle the challenges and threats observed in sustainable agriculture (crop production and soil fertility) and the environment (reducing greenhouse gas emission).
Highlights
IntroductionThe world’s population is increasing day by day and is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050
The world’s population is increasing day by day and is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050(United Nations Department of Economics and Social Affairs, New York, NY, USA), which will put the world’s agricultural system under an increasing threat
Though more than 1000 articles were downloaded, we focused on those indicating empirical outcomes
Summary
The world’s population is increasing day by day and is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050. The objective of all these improvements in the farming systems is to reduce hankering and enhance crop yield to obtain sustainable agriculture and the environment [3]. This concept has directed the attention of the scientific community and farmers towards natural residue and Sustainability 2021, 13, 1330. This review highlights the production processes of various feedstocks and pyrolysis temperatures at which biochar is produced and their impact on agriculture sustainability via improving soil ecosystem functions and services. This review is intended to help researchers globally in the selection of proper biochar produced at a certain temperature to improve agriculture and environment sustainability without compromising crop yield
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