Potential of Biochar to Sequester Carbon and Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Abstract

Biochar is a solid material obtained from the carbonization of any biomass including weeds, crop residues and other wastes of plant origin. Biochar plays an important role in climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon in the soil and reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) gas emissions to the environment through enhancing soil absorption. Here we review the potential of biochar to reduce N2O and CH4 emissions from agricultural practices and sequester atmospheric CO2 in the soil including potential mechanism behind observed effects. However, some fundamental mechanism and manipulation of biochar remain understandable and need further investigation.