Sustainable Agriculture and Plant Production by Virtue of Biochar in the Era of Climate Change

Abstract

AbstractIn recent years, rapid increase in population growth, improper usage of synthetic fertilizers, organic matter depletion, nutrient imbalance, and land degradation owing to several anthropogenic activities have significantly exerted considerable pressure on agriculture which negatively influences sustainable plant production. Therefore, it is necessary to sustain the most appropriate levels of organic matter in degraded soils, which supports sustainable crop production and maintains nutrient cycling in them. Biochar has been broadly used for sustainable plant production among different organic matters due to its several advantages such as mitigating global warming, excellent soil conditioner, and as a potential amendment for various environmental applications over other soil additives. Moreover, biochar additions in agricultural soils also promoted the seed germination, growth, biomass, yield, and nutritional qualities of crops grown on biochar amended soils. In addition to these benefits, biochar also supports soil microorganisms by providing them habitat due to its porous structure and releases essential nutrients from its matrix, improving microbial communities. Thus, it is suggested that biochar could play a vital role in reducing the adverse impacts of climate change and threats to sustainable crop production.KeywordsActivated carbonAbiotic stressSoil amendmentCrop growthPlant nutritionCarbon sequestration