Soil degradation poses a significant threat to global food production, especially in tropical regions, a challenge that sustainable soil improvement strategies seek to address. In a recent study published in the Advanced Journal of Science, Technology and Engineering, Owuamanam and Nwawuike explored how 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 from different 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 sources affects soil chemistry over time.  

The researchers conducted an incubation experiment, mixing soil with biochar derived from saw dust, poultry manure, and pig dung. Over a 75-day period, they monitored changes in 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, organic matter, and nutrient content.  

The initial chemical analysis of the biochars showed distinct differences. Poultry manure biochar exhibited the highest pH, while animal-based biochars (poultry and pig dung) had higher carbon content than saw dust biochar.  When mixed with soil, all biochars generally improved soil chemical properties, increasing pH, organic matter, and nutrient availability. However, the extent and timing of these improvements varied significantly.  

For instance, poultry manure biochar had the most pronounced and sustained effect on soil pH, likely due to its high 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. In contrast, saw dust biochar led to the greatest increase in soil organic matter.  These findings underscore that biochar’s interaction with soil is a dynamic process. Its effects on soil chemistry evolve over time and are heavily influenced by the original biomass source. Understanding these temporal dynamics is crucial for optimizing biochar application strategies in agriculture.  

SOURCE: Owuamanam, M. C., & Nwawuike, I. M. (2025). Temporal Dynamics of Soil Chemical Properties During Incubation with Biochar from Diverse Biomass Sources. Advanced Journal of Science, Technology and Engineering, 5(1), 94-114.