1School of Life Sciences and Bio-engineering, Nelson Mandela Institution of Sciences and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
2Department of Environment and Sustainable Development, Mzumbe University, Morogoro, Tanzania
3Department of Agronomy and Soil Science, Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere University of Agriculture and Technology, Butiama, Musoma, Tanzania
4 Corporate Engagement, The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA22203, USA
5Central Highlands Eco-Region Research Programme, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
6Department of Agricultural Science and Technology, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
*Correspondence author: emzephania@mzumbe.ac.tz
Biochar is an emerging soil amendment that has gained significant attention in the past two decades. Besides other benefits for the soil and the entire environment, biochar plays a remarkable role in improving the soils for agricultural production. Contrary to other sources of organic matter, biochar is composed of a larger proportion of aromatic carbon (C), which gives it high biodegradability, high organic carbon (OC) content, and concentration of plant nutrients. This makes biochar a high-quality source of organic matter. Due to the properties possessed by biochar, once applied to the soil, it will tend to improve the soil properties which will consequently modify the properties to better suit the crop production. Therefore, this review provides insights into how the chemical, physical, and biological soil properties are affected following the biochar application.
⓿ Biochar improves soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, leading to enhanced soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
⓿ Biochar it effectively immobilizes and adsorbs both organic and inorganic pollutants, reducing their uptake by crops.
⓿ Biochar contributes to long-term carbon storage in soils, aiding climate change mitigation efforts.
⓿ Biochar promotes microbial diversity and activity, thereby supporting soil biological functions and resilience
Biomass, soil pH, soil microorganisms, organic and inorganic pollutants, mineralization, immobilization, soil nutrients
