Biochar production and application in forest soils-a critical review

Abstract

The increasing deforestation with an alarming rate is the prime cause of upsetting the balance in the natural ecosystem and the livelihood of local communities. Sustainable forest management and reforestation efforts can equilibrium this destruction and maintain the protected areas. In this regard, soil management strategies for reforestation of the degraded forest land can be helpful. In this review, the potential of using biochar, a solid carbon rich product of biomass thermochemical conversion, as a soil amendment in forest soils has been discussed. The production procedures of biochar, availability of feedstocks and the biochar properties are discussed using the existing knowledge. The positive effects of biochar are soil quality depended and change with varying geographical locations. Therefore, long-term field trials examining a range of biochars, soils, and forest types are required for a better understanding of this issue. Careful planning to match biochar with the soil properties is essential to obtain maximum benefits of biochar as a soil amendment.