Zhang, Q., Niu, W., et al. (2025). Sustainable effects of nitrogen reduction combined with 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 on enhancing maize productivity and nitrogen utilization. European Journal of Agronomy, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2024.127429

A recent study published in the European Journal of Agronomy explores the sustainable effects of biochar application combined with reduced nitrogen (N) fertilizer on maize productivity and soil health. This three-year field experiment (2019–2021) evaluated four biochar application rates (0, 8, 16, and 24 t ha−1) under three N fertilizer regimes: conventional application (200 kg N ha−1) and reductions of 20% and 40%.

The results showed that combining biochar with reduced N fertilizer maintained or improved maize yields, with effects becoming more pronounced in the second and third years of the study. The combination of 40% N reduction and 16 t ha−1 biochar led to consistent yield improvements and higher economic returns. On average, maize grain yields increased by 8.5–18.4%, while economic benefits rose by 15.1–18.4% during the final two years.

The study attributed these results to biochar’s ability to enhance soil properties, including organic carbon content, total nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity. These improvements supported better maize growth, nitrogen uptake, and yield stability.

This research underscores the potential of biochar to sustain agricultural productivity while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. By incorporating biochar into farming practices, growers can enhance yields and profitability, contributing to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.