Jin, et al (2024) Review on the effects 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 amendment on soil microorganisms and enzyme activity. Journal of Soils and Sediments. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-024-03841-7

Biochar has garnered global attention for its multiple benefits as a soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More. It plays a crucial role in enhancing soil 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, enzyme activities, microbial biomass, and nutrient utilization. However, the exact mechanisms by which biochar affects microbial community structure, diversity, and enzyme activity remain unclear, particularly concerning the biochar produced at different pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More temperatures and applied in varying quantities.

A comprehensive review of literature from 2018 to 2022 highlights the impacts of biochar on soil microorganisms and enzymes. The review categorizes the effects of biochar into three main aspects. First, biochar’s porous structure and high surface area provide a sanctuary for soil microorganisms. Second, it supplies essential elements like carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) to these microorganisms. Third, biochar improves the survival conditions of soil microorganisms by altering 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, cation exchange capacity (CEC), aggregation, and enzyme activity.

Biochar produced at lower pyrolysis temperatures is particularly valuable, providing significant C and N sources for soil microorganisms. In contrast, biochar from higher pyrolysis temperatures contains less active C and N but still contributes to microbial nutrition through mechanisms like nutrient immobilization and increased nutrient residence timeResidence time refers to the duration that the biomass is heated during the pyrolysis process. The residence time can influence the properties of the biochar produced.   More by bonding with soil labile C.

The review concludes that the type of source material and pyrolysis temperature are the primary determinants in biochar’s effects on soil microbial abundance, community structure, and diversity. Understanding these factors can optimize biochar application, making it a powerful tool for sustainable soil management.