In a recent review published in Sustainability, Zetao Zhu et al., explored the multifaceted effects of 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 on soil’s physical and chemical characteristics, highlighting its potential as a sustainable 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. This article synthesizes findings from the past 20 years, examining biochar’s impact on key soil health indicators such as aggregate stability, bulk density, 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, and electrical conductivity.

The review underscores that biochar, produced from 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 through 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, can significantly improve soil fertility and environmental conditions. Its porous structure and high surface area enhance soil aeration and water retention, crucial for plant growth and nutrient availability. The liming effect of biochar, due to its alkaline nature, is particularly beneficial in acidic soils, raising pH levels and improving nutrient uptake. However, the effectiveness of biochar varies with 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 type, pyrolysis temperature, and soil conditions, indicating a need for tailored application strategies. The review calls for more research to fully understand biochar’s long-term impacts and optimize its use in diverse agricultural settings. As global agriculture faces challenges like soil degradation and climate change, biochar emerges as a promising tool. It not only aids in carbon sequestration but also enhances soil health, crucial for sustainable farming practices. The review suggests that while biochar shows great potential, a deeper understanding of its interactions with different soil types and environmental conditions is essential.

Future studies should focus on field applications to validate laboratory findings and explore the long-term benefits of biochar in agriculture. This comprehensive analysis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on biochar, paving the way for its broader application in promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

SOURCE: Zhu, Z., Zhang, Y., Tao, W., Zhang, X., Xu, Z., & Xu, C. (2025). The Biological Effects of Biochar on Soil’s Physical and Chemical Characteristics: A Review. Sustainability, 17(2214).