Firouzi, et al (2024) Effect of Conocarpus 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 some physical and mechanical properties of calcareous soil under corn cultivation. Water and Soil Management and Modeling. https://mmws.uma.ac.ir/article_2218_bea5f1d080d64ea2192be00711b26670.pdf

In a study by Firouzi et al. (2024), researchers explored the effects of biochar produced from Conocarpus erectus on the physical and mechanical properties of calcareous soil in corn cultivation. Biochar is 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 created by pyrolyzing organic waste. This study aimed to assess how it affects soil properties such as shear strength, soil moisture retention, porosityPorosity of biochar is a key factor in its effectiveness as a soil amendment and its ability to retain water and nutrients. Biochar’s porosity is influenced by feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature, and it plays a crucial role in microbial activity and overall soil health. Biochar More, and bulk density.

The experiment involved three biochar application levels—0, 3, and 6 tons per hectare—integrated into calcareous soil over a three-month period, followed by corn planting. Results demonstrated that biochar significantly improved soil’s physical properties, increasing porosity, air capacity, and moisture retention, while reducing bulk density. Higher biochar levels (6 tons/ha) notably increased soil moisture content, field capacity, and plant-available water, attributed to the porosity of biochar particles.

Mechanical soil properties were also influenced. Biochar reduced shear strength and the coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE), while increasing the plastic and liquid limits, which are indicators of soil’s consistency and workability. Higher biochar levels led to a notable reduction in COLE, which could mitigate soil shrinkage issues.

The study concluded that biochar made from Conocarpus erectus significantly enhances both physical and mechanical properties of calcareous soils, offering benefits in water retention and soil structure. This makes biochar a valuable amendment, especially in arid regions facing water scarcity, though more long-term studies are needed for widespread field application.