Freitas, et al (2024) 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 as Influenced by 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 Variability: Implications and Opportunities for Phosphorus Management. Frontiers. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.510982

Biochar, produced by heating organic matter in low-oxygen conditions, offers potential benefits for soil health and environmental protection. This study examines biochar derived from diverse feedstocks, specifically animal-based (poultry litter, biosolids) and plant-based (hardwoods, maple, pine) sources, focusing on their chemical properties and implications for phosphorus (P) management.

Animal-based biochars generally contain higher levels of essential nutrients compared to plant-based biochars. For instance, poultry litter biochar is rich in available phosphorus, making it a potentially effective fertilizer. However, biochars from biosolids, despite having high total phosphorus content, release phosphorus more slowly due to mineral stability. This makes biosolids biochar less immediately available but potentially more sustainable for long-term nutrient supply.

The study also highlights the importance of soil type in phosphorus retention. Soils with higher phosphorus retention capacities, like the Apopka soil, release less phosphorus when amended with biochar compared to less retentive soils, such as the Candler soil. This finding underscores the necessity of considering both soil properties and biochar composition in agricultural applications to optimize phosphorus availabilityPhosphorus is another essential nutrient for plant growth, but it can sometimes be locked up in the soil and unavailable to plants. Biochar can help release phosphorus from the soil and make it more accessible to plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.   More and minimize environmental risks.

Additionally, plant-based biochars vary significantly in their nutrient content. For example, maple biochar contains more potassium and magnesium than pine biochar, suggesting a need to tailor biochar applications based on specific crop nutrient requirements.

Overall, understanding the variability in biochar properties and their interaction with soil types is crucial for effective phosphorus management and sustainable agricultural practices. By carefully selecting and possibly mixing different biochars, farmers can improve crop yields and reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers, contributing to more sustainable farming systems.