Chen, et al (2024) Effect of 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 Types and Rates on SOC and Its Active Fractions in Tropical Farmlands of China. Agronomy. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14040676

In recent research, the potential of biochar in carbon sequestration, emission reduction, and soil quality enhancement has been explored, especially its impact on soil organic carbon (SOC) and its fractions in tropical farmlands. This study delves into the effects of rice hull (R) and peanut shell (P) biochar on SOC, microbial 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 carbon (MBC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and soil mineralizable carbon (SMC) across various soil layers. Findings indicate that both R and P biochar applications significantly enhance the levels of SOC, MBC, and DOC, with the benefits amplifying alongside increased biochar application rates. However, an application rate exceeding 20 t ha−1 tends to reduce the ratio of SMC:SOC, suggesting a decrease in soil carbon mineralization and an improvement in SOC stability.

The introduction highlights the vital role of the tropics, covering 40% of the Earth’s surface and supporting a similar percentage of the global population—a figure projected to increase. Tropical regions face challenges such as SOC deficiency, rapid organic matter decomposition, and overuse of synthetic fertilizers, undermining sustainable agriculture. Biochar, a carbon-rich amendment produced from biomass through thermochemical reactions, emerges as a promising solution to enhance soil fertility by improving SOC levels. Prior research has illustrated biochar’s efficacy in improving soil physicochemical properties and crop yields while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, inconsistencies exist regarding biochar’s impact on SOC mineralization, with studies showing varied results.

This comprehensive investigation into biochar’s influence on SOC and its active fractions underscores its potential to bolster soil carbon pools in tropical farmlands. By assessing the relationships between active carbon fractions, carbon stability, and soil physicochemical properties, this study contributes valuable insights into sustainable agriculture practices in tropical climates, emphasizing biochar’s role in enhancing soil carbon sequestration and stability.