Biochar's influence as a soil amendment for essential plant nutrient uptake

Abstract

Biochar has recently become an interesting option for soil management in terms of nutrients depleted lands, which is now emerging as an increasing global concern. Since biochar is derived from biomass, they are high in carbon and may contain a range of plant macro- and micronutrients. In addition, the physical microstructure of biochar may crucially influence the role of biochar on plant nutrient uptake determining access to mineralized elements by soil solution, microorganisms, and plant roots. The beneficial use of biochar as a soil amendment in terms of increased crop yield and improved soil quality has been reported. This book chapter extensively discusses the influential nutrients in biochars and their effects on plant nutrient uptake. Further, alteration of the mechanism of nutrient uptake via biochar modification and the effect on nutrient transformation in soil have been reviewed. Biochar impacts on nutrient uptake by different plants under different environmental and soil conditions are not fully understood yet. This chapter will provide insights for future research directions in order to establish an effective biochar-plant nutrient interaction.