Enhancement of Soil Health Using Biochar

Abstract

Over the years, the carbon-rich biochar has been used for the purpose of environmental conservation and reservation. Typically produced from varieties of materials ranging from sewage, farm produce, energy crops and agricultural waste or residues, the properties usually considered in the application of biochar include the chemical composition, porosity and stability. Contemporarily, the use of biochar has extended to its utilization in the industry, agriculture, forestry, and the natural environment. Soil fertility depends on the holistic process of managing the soil and likewise maintaining a robust biodiversity. This process involves the application of natural carbon-rich materials like biochar as soil amendments. The rapid absorption tendency of biochar, both on organic and inorganic materials has contributed immensely to the removal of excess antimicrobials from the environment. Biochar has been known to be a good enhancer of the soil due to its rich content of carbon and other nutrients good enough for the soil. Other striking effects of biochar on the soil and environment include the enhancement of the uptake of nitrogen, improvement of the soil structure, mitigation of greenhouse gases, conservation of the environment and enhancement of soil microbial community.