A recent study published in Biofuels, Bioproducts & Biorefining by Mekonnen et al. explores the potential of biochar-based fertilizers (BBF) to improve crop yields and soil properties in acidic tropical soils. The research highlights the challenges faced by farmers in tropical regions due to soil organic carbon and nutrient depletion, which threatens agricultural production and food security. The authors investigated the effects of different BBF formulations on wheat yield and soil properties in Ethiopia, where soil acidity is a major constraint to agricultural productivity.  

The study’s findings indicate that BBF significantly increased above-ground biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More and dry grain yield in acidic soils. Notably, BBF application rates of 20 tons per hectare led to the most substantial improvements, outperforming inorganic fertilizers by enhancing grain yields by up to 94% and biomass by 58%. These results suggest that BBF can be a more effective alternative to traditional fertilizers in acidic soil conditions.  

In addition to boosting crop production, the research also examined the impact of BBF on soil properties. Soil analyses revealed that BBF application increased soil pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More, nutrient availability, and cation exchange capacity. These improvements contribute to enhanced soil fertility and can help mitigate the negative effects of soil acidity. However, the effectiveness of BBF varied depending on the initial soil conditions. The study found that BBF had a limited impact on less acidic soils, emphasizing its specific role in addressing soil acidity and related fertility deficiencies.  

The study conclude that BBF holds promise as an alternative soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More for smallholder farms in tropical regions. The adoption of BBF into integrated soil fertility management practices could reduce the reliance on imported inorganic fertilizers, promote a circular bioeconomy, and contribute to carbon sequestration. This approach offers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for agriculture in tropical acidic soils.  

Source: Mekonnen, B., Wilske, B., Addisu, B., Nigussie, A., Siegfried, K., Gizachew, S., … Eshete, G. (2025). Biochar-based fertilizers increase crop yields in acidic tropical soils. Biofuels, Bioproducts & Biorefining, 00, 1–17.