The journal Biochar recently published a comprehensive review by Abdul Waheed, Hailiang Xu, Aishajiang Aili, and their research team exploring the transformative potential of biochar as a nature-based solution for arid and semi-arid regions. These areas cover nearly forty percent of the global land area and face constant threats from soil degradation, water scarcity, and the encroaching desert. The researchers found that biochar, a charcoal-like substance created by heating organic waste in oxygen-limited environments, offers a multi-functional intervention to stabilize these fragile environments. By converting agricultural residues, invasive shrubs, or even sewage sludge into stable carbon, land managers can improve soil structure and boost agricultural productivity while simultaneously sequestering carbon for centuries.

The findings highlight how biochar fundamentally alters the physical and chemical properties of dryland soils. Because these soils typically contain very low organic matter, they struggle to hold onto moisture and nutrients. Biochar addresses this by increasing the specific surface area and cation exchange capacity of the soil, which helps retain water and essential minerals that would otherwise leach away. Quantitative data synthesized in the review show that strategic biochar application can improve soil water holding capacityWater holding capacity is the amount of water that soil can retain. Biochar can significantly increase the water holding capacity of soil, improving its ability to withstand drought conditions and support plant growth.   More by up to thirty-five percent. This increased moisture availability is critical for plant survival in desertified zones, where it has been shown to slow down water percolation and extend the time that water remains available in the root zone for crops.

Beyond water management, the study reveals significant improvements in soil biology and erosion control. Biochar provides a porous habitat that protects soil microbes from harsh environmental stresses, leading to a reported increase in microbial 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 of up to fifty percent. This thriving microbial community enhances nutrient cycling and supports plant growth-promoting bacteria. Furthermore, the granular structure of biochar helps bind soil particles together, creating more stable aggregates that are resistant to the elements. In wind-prone arid landscapes, this increased soil cohesion can reduce wind erosion by as much as thirty percent, preventing the loss of fertile topsoil and protecting nearby communities from dust storms.

Vegetation restoration is another area where biochar shows remarkable results, as it helps native plants and crops establish themselves in nutrient-poor ground. Field evidence from various regions, including North Africa and Central Asia, indicates that biochar amendments can increase crop yields by twenty to fifty percent. These benefits are particularly pronounced when biochar is combined with other sustainable practices like co-composting or precision irrigation. For example, co-composting biochar with organic waste creates a slow-release fertilizer that provides sustained nutrition to plants. The study also discusses how precision agriculture, using drones and sensors, can target the most degraded zones to ensure that biochar is used efficiently and cost-effectively.

The researchers emphasize that the future of land restoration lies in integrating biochar production with renewable energy and digital technologies. Utilizing solar-powered 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 units allows for decentralized production in remote areas, significantly reducing the costs associated with transporting bulky biomass. Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence and digital twin simulations can help stakeholders predict the economic and environmental outcomes of biochar projects before they are implemented. This shift toward a data-driven, circular economy approach ensures that biochar is not just an environmental tool but a financially viable strategy for farmers and investors alike. By linking carbon sequestration with improved food security, biochar serves as a cornerstone for climate-smart agriculture in the world’s most vulnerable landscapes.

Source: Waheed, A., Xu, Q., Cui, D., Muhammad, M., Xu, H., Aili, A., Kuerban, A., & Ali, S. (2026). Biochar as a climate-smart strategy for restoring dryland soils and mitigating desertification. Biochar, 8(59).