Azeez, J.O., Bankole, G.O., Aghorunse, A.C. et al.Evaluating the environmental and agronomic implications of bone char and 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 applications to loamy sand based on sorption data. Environ Syst Res 13, 49 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40068-024-00379-y

A recent study examined the effects of bone char and biochar on nutrient retention in loamy sand soils. Bone char, produced from animal bones, and biochar, derived from wood shavings, were compared for their ability to sorb (hold) essential nutrients such as nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, and sulfate.

Results showed that bone char outperformed biochar in nutrient retention. Bone char retained 60.6% of added nutrients, while biochar held 40.7%. Specifically, bone char absorbed significantly higher levels of sulfate (56%) and nitrate (76%), demonstrating a 45.8% increase in the soil’s nutrient retention capacity. In contrast, biochar improved retention by 36.1%.

The study highlighted that both materials increased the soil’s nutrient-holding capacity, but bone char had a stronger impact. This enhanced sorption was attributed to its higher nutrient content and larger surface area, providing more adsorption sites than biochar.

Importantly, the sorption process followed an H-curve pattern, indicating strong nutrient-soil binding, particularly at low concentrations. However, the study warns against using these materials alone, as they could immobilize nutrients and prevent plant uptake. Instead, the authors recommend pairing biochar or bone char with additional fertilizers to optimize their agronomic benefits.

The findings underscore the importance of understanding the specific properties of biochar or bone char before their application, particularly regarding native soil conditions and nutrient management.

These results offer insights for improving soil fertility and managing nutrient loss in agricultural practices.