Dorostkar & Arabameri (2024) Soil wettability improvement by plane leaves (Platanus orientalis) 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 in silty clay soil using saline water. Pedosphere. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedsph.2024.06.001

Researchers have discovered that biochar derived from plane leaves (Platanus orientalis) can improve the wettability of silty clay soils, even when using saline water. This is significant for arid regions where soil drying and limited precipitation can cause soil water repellency (SWR).

The study explored the effects of biochar at two different sizes (<0.1 mm and 0.1–0.5 mm) and varying concentrations (0–10%) on soil wettability. They tested these factors using both saline and non-saline water with different ionic strengths, primarily focusing on sodium and calcium chloride, which are common in arid soils.

Key findings include:

• Biochar Size and Concentration: Smaller biochar particles (<0.1 mm) at concentrations of 5–10% were effective in reducing soil hydrophobicity to a slightly water-repellent level. Larger particles (0.1–0.5 mm) required only 4% to achieve the same effect, and a 10% concentration made the soil hydrophilic.
• Water Salinity Impact: The salinity of water influenced the effectiveness of biochar. Sodium chloride solutions increased the demand for biochar more than calcium chloride solutions did.

Overall, the study suggests that plane leaves biochar can be a useful tool in managing soil hydrophobicity in fine-grained soils, especially in arid regions. The effectiveness depends on both the particle size of the biochar and the salinity of the irrigation water. This research highlights the potential for biochar to improve soil management practices in challenging environments.