Application of biochar in agriculture and environment, and its safety issues

Abstract

Biochar production from agro-environmental waste biomass is attracting huge interest as a low-cost amendment due to its potential numerous benefits to agriculture and environment, as well as its ability to store soil water. This review summarizes the influences of biomass-derived low-cost biochar on agriculture and environmental health, crop responses, nutrient dynamics, and soil biological parameter–related issues as well as how biochar can helpful for agriculture and environment management. Besides, biochar safety issues and human health in agro-environment have also been discussed. Application of biochar in agro-environment exerts measurable changes in physico-chemical and biological properties as well as carbon balance. Mechanistic evidences of biochar’s potential for enhancing crop productivity, soil water availability, biochar co-composting, and nutrient use efficiency are also discussed. The review also identifies several knowledge gaps and future research directions for large-scale use of biochar. Hence, this information in the form review is new of its kind which is useful to the broad spectrum of readers. Thus, the biochar addition in agro-environment emerges as a “win-win strategy” for sustainable soil health and environmental ecofriendly assets. But some technical and practical barriers are reported in biochar application in large quantities, which are a major concern today.