Biochar and its effects on soil properties and evapotranspiration: A sustainable solution for plant growth

Abstract

A pressing need has come to the fore to improve sustainability as well as the use of low-cost agricultural organic materials that boost both poor soil characteristics, leading to better plant growth, while at the same time developing resilience to climate change effects. To achieve this purpose, biochar (BC), a carbon-rich by-product of organic matter pyrolysis under high temperatures and partial or complete hypoxia known for its porous nature, affects both soil physiochemical properties and evapotranspiration (ET). In this article, the history and definition of BC were investigated. Current knowledge about BC’s production process, how BC alters soil’s physical and chemical properties, and the most recent studies on BC soil amendment interaction with various plants’ ET were examined. This review concludes that BC is a paramount carbonaceous material that improves both physical and chemical properties of soils, depending on biochar dose, soil texture and initial soil pH, leading to better moisture and macronutrient availability which possibly be the reason behind increasing ET at low doses of BC amended soils.