Soil erosion is a pervasive global environmental issue, threatening sustainable land management and overall environmental stability. It leads to reduced crop yields, increased sedimentation in water bodies, and degraded natural habitats, posing significant challenges to global food security. Conventional erosion control methods, such as tillage techniques and terracing, have limitations, including high water consumption and complex infrastructure requirements. In this context, biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More, a carbon-rich substance produced from the pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More of organic matter, emerges as a promising and sustainable solution to combat soil erosion and promote sustainable land management practices.

The effectiveness of biochar in controlling soil erosion is rooted in its unique properties, which significantly enhance soil structure and stability. Biochar’s porous nature and high water-holding capacity contribute to improved soil water retention and infiltration, thereby minimizing the impacts of rainfall and runoff on soil surfaces. This is crucial for mitigating sheet and rill erosion, the initial stages of soil loss. Furthermore, biochar application enhances soil fertility and nutrient retention, promoting the growth of vegetation that provides additional soil cover and root reinforcement, further contributing to erosion control. The long-term stability of biochar in the soil environment ensures sustained erosion control benefits, offering a durable solution for preserving soil quality and topsoil.

Biochar production methods, including pyrolysis, gasificationGasification is a high-temperature, thermochemical process that converts carbon-based materials into a gaseous fuel called syngas and solid by-products. It takes place in an oxygen-deficient environment at temperatures typically above 750°C. Unlike combustion, which fully burns material to produce heat and carbon dioxide (CO2​), gasification More, and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), each impart unique properties to the resulting biochar. Slow pyrolysis, a widely used method, typically yields biochar with high carbon content, porous structures, and low volatile matterVolatile matter refers to the organic compounds that are released as gases during the pyrolysis process. These compounds can include methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide, which can be captured and used as fuel or further processed into other valuable products.   More, enhancing water and nutrient retention. Conversely, fast pyrolysis may result in biochar with lower surface area and higher ashAsh is the non-combustible inorganic residue that remains after organic matter, like wood or biomass, is completely burned. It consists mainly of minerals and is different from biochar, which is produced through incomplete combustion.   Ash Ash is the residue that remains after the complete More content. HTC is particularly advantageous for processing wet 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 due to its lower temperature and pressure requirements. The type of feedstockFeedstock refers to the raw organic material used to produce biochar. This can include a wide range of materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and animal manure. More also plays a crucial role; for instance, fibrous biomass like wood chips tends to produce larger, erosion-resistant biochar particles, while finer materials yield smaller, more erosion-susceptible particles. It is essential to carefully consider the feedstock to avoid transferring pollutants like heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to the biochar, which could negatively impact soil properties and vegetation growth.

Successful implementations of biochar for soil erosion control have been observed in various case studies. In the Amazon Basin, the application of biochar significantly reduced soil loss rates, with a 70-fold increase in black carbon content at 60 cm soil depth, coupled with improved soil fertility and water retention. Another study in the southeastern United States demonstrated that applying biochar at 80 metric tons per hectare increased soil extractable phosphorus concentrations by 20 to 28-fold and extractable sodium by 99 to 145-fold, leading to decreased sediment loss and enhanced soil quality. However, some studies also indicate potential risks, such as increased soil loss and interrill erodibility on sloping croplands when biochar is applied at high rates (2–8 wt%), emphasizing the need for careful consideration of application methods in specific contexts.

Compared to traditional soil erosion control measures, biochar offers unique long-term advantages. Unlike mechanical interventions that provide immediate control, biochar fosters sustained soil improvement and enhances soil structure beyond immediate erosion control. It is also more environmentally friendly than chemical stabilization techniques, as it does not introduce harmful chemicals into the ecosystem. Biochar’s ability to promote water retention and nutrient availability contributes to sustained soil health, offering a holistic solution to erosion-related issues. Furthermore, its role in carbon sequestration contributes to climate change mitigation.

The application of biochar directly aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It significantly contributes to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by restoring degraded lands, promoting soil health, and mitigating desertification. By sequestering carbon in the soil and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, biochar supports SDG 13 (Climate Action). Additionally, it contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by enhancing soil fertility and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, leading to increased crop productivity and food security. Its potential to minimize nutrient runoff and improve water retention also supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Despite its immense potential, challenges in biochar adoption include variability in its properties, lack of standardized guidelines, and high initial production costs. Future research should focus on long-term field studies to assess its persistent effects on soil health and ecosystem dynamics, optimize biochar formulations for various soil types, and evaluate its socio-economic implications, especially in resource-constrained communities.

Source: Sharma, P., Ali, S., & Biswas, J. K. (2025). Application of biochar for soil erosion control and environmental management: implications for achieving sustainable development goals. Discover Soil, 2(1), 36.