Cadmium (Cd) pollution in farmland soil is a growing concern due to its adverse effects on crop yield and quality, and potential risks to human health through the food chain. 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 material derived 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 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, has shown promise in remediating heavy metal-contaminated soils. Pan et al., in their study published in Plants, investigated the effects of modified biochar on the growth, yield, and quality of pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) in Cd-contaminated soil.  

The researchers used biochar derived from reed straw, modified through ball milling and the addition of various passivation agents, including potassium hydroxide, attapulgite, calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer, and polyacrylamide. Their findings revealed that modified biochar improved pakchoi yields and nutritional quality compared to bulk biochar.  

Specifically, the combination of ball-milled biochar with potassium hydroxide, attapulgite, calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer, and polyacrylamide (QKAMP) significantly reduced Cd content in pakchoi and increased vitamin C levels. The QKAMP treatment also led to a significant decrease in nitrate concentrations in pakchoi.  

This study highlights the potential of modified biochar as a 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 to improve the yield and quality of pakchoi while mitigating Cd accumulation in the vegetable. The use of modified biochar could contribute to food safety and sustainable agriculture in Cd-contaminated areas.  

Source: Pan, G.; Geng, S.; Wang, L.; Xing, J.; Fan, G.; Gao, Y.; Lu, X.; Zhang, Z. Effects of Modified Biochar on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Brassica chinensis L. in Cadmium Contaminated Soils. Plants 2025, 14, 524. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14040524.