Chandi, et al (2024) Enhancing soil health, microbial count, and hydrophilic methomyl and hydrophobic lambda-cyhalothrin remediation 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 and nano-biochar. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-70515-2

Biochar (BC) and nano-biochar (NBC) have gained attention for their potential to improve soil health and address pesticide contamination. In a recent study, BC and NBC were applied to soils contaminated with two pesticides: the hydrophilic methomyl (MET) and hydrophobic lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT). These pesticides pose significant environmental and health risks due to their persistence and widespread use. The study examined how different concentrations of BC and NBC (1%, 3%, and 5%) influenced soil properties, microbial communities, and pesticide degradation.

The results showed that adding BC and NBC increased 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, moisture content, and organic carbon, contributing to better soil health. However, the highest concentrations (5%) led to a decline in soil organic carbon after several weeks. Microbial activity, including phosphate-solubilizing and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, initially increased with BC and NBC, but decreased at the highest concentrations after a few weeks.

NBC outperformed BC in pesticide remediationPesticides are chemicals used to control pests, but they can also have negative impacts on the environment and human health. Biochar can help remediate pesticide contamination by adsorbing and breaking down these harmful chemicals in the soil More, particularly with MET. MET was removed more efficiently than LCT due to its faster degradation rate, with NBC showing greater efficacy in reducing pesticide residues. Overall, the study highlights BC and NBC as promising tools for sustainable agriculture, offering benefits in soil health and environmental remediation. However, optimal concentrations are crucial to avoid potential negative effects on soil properties and microbial communities.

By carefully managing the application of BC and NBC, farmers can enhance soil fertility while mitigating the environmental impact of pesticide use.