Abdo, 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 of invasive plants alleviated impact of acid rain on soil microbial community structure and functionality better than liming. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116726

A recent study explores the benefits of using biochar made from invasive plants to mitigate the effects of acid rain on soil health. Acid rain, caused by atmospheric pollutants, significantly impacts soil ecology and nutrient cycling. Traditionally, lime has been used to neutralize soil acidity, but it has drawbacks, including nutrient leachingLeaching is the process where nutrients are dissolved and carried away from the soil by water. This can lead to nutrient depletion and environmental pollution. Biochar can help reduce leaching by improving nutrient retention in the soil.   More and soil hardening.

Researchers conducted a pot experiment comparing the effects of biochar from invasive plants—Blackjack (Biden Pilosa), Wedelia (Wedelia trilobata), and Bitter vine (Mikania micrantha Kunth)—to lime on soil microbial communities under acid rain conditions. Biochar improved 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, nutrient availability, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) more effectively than lime. It maintained a neutral pH of around 6.5 and increased calcium content without significantly altering the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio. This resulted in a healthier soil microbial community and enhanced soil functions.

Unlike lime, which increased the relative abundance of fungal pathogens, biochar promoted beneficial bacteria like Nitrosomonadaceae, important for nitrogen cycling. The study found that biochar from Wedelia was particularly effective due to its high nitrogen and dissolved organic carbon content.

In summary, biochar from invasive plants offers a sustainable alternative to lime for managing soil acidity caused by acid rain. It not only improves soil health and microbial diversity but also provides an environmentally friendly use for invasive plant 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. This dual benefit makes biochar a promising tool for ecological restoration and invasive plant management.