In the 2025 volume of Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria, researchers Zorica Mojović and Nataša Jović-Jovičić present a comprehensive review of charcoal and 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 developments in Serbia. Their work synthesizes two decades of scientific progress, revealing how these carbon-rich materials have transitioned from traditional fuels into sophisticated tools for environmental and medical advancement. By exploring diverse 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 sources ranging from beech wood to invasive plant species and agricultural residues like plum stones or corn husks, the study highlights a shift toward a circular economy that prioritizes waste reduction and sustainable resource management.

The research underscores the remarkable impact of retorted beech charcoal on organic agricultureThis is a way of farming that focuses on using natural methods and avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Biochar fits perfectly into organic agriculture because it’s a natural soil amendment that improves soil health and promotes sustainable farming practices.   More, where it serves as a powerful 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. When combined with organic fertilizers, this material creates a porous environment that holds essential nutrients and water, directly resulting in more robust plant development. Beyond the farm, the study illustrates the critical role of activated charcoal in safeguarding public health. It is used as a reliable defense against organophosphate poisoning and as a method for removing dangerous mycotoxins from staple crops like maize and wheat. These applications demonstrate that locally produced charcoal is not just a relic of industrial history but a versatile solution for modern safety challenges.

Environmental monitoring in Serbia has also benefited from the use of charcoal canisters, which provide an accessible and cost-effective way to measure radon levels in high-risk areas like thermal spas and former mining zones. This practical application ensures better safety for medical staff and residents by detecting invisible radioactive threats. Furthermore, the review introduces cutting-edge medical innovations where activated charcoal is integrated into hydrogel systems. These composites allow for the targeted delivery of antimicrobial agents, showing great promise in treating malignant wounds and combating antibiotic-resistant infections. This interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between ancient resource use and future technological breakthroughs.

The transition to biochar production from non-wood biomass, such as fruit stones and forest residues, offers additional pathways for sustainable energy and industrial materials. For instance, biochar is being tested as a reinforcing filler in rubber production and as a support for stabilizing enzymes used in water purification. While the sector faces challenges regarding standardized quality control and the need for updated kiln technologies, the potential for economic growth through exports and modernized domestic production is significant. By optimizing these thermochemical processes, Serbia can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels while improving its environmental resilience and agricultural productivity through the strategic use of its abundant biomass resources.

Source: Mojović, Z., & Jović-Jovičić, N. (2025). Charcoal and biochar research in Serbia. Acta Sci. Pol. Silv. Colendar. Ratio Ind. Lignar., 24(2), 203-214.