Biochar from Biomass: A Review on Biochar Preparation Its Modification and Impact on Soil Including Soil Microbiology

Abstract

Soil amendment with biochar is evaluated globally as a means to improve soil fertility, restoration of the ecological functions for anthropogenically polluted soils and also is a potential candidate to mitigate climate change. Application of biochar, a carbon-rich material developed from the combustion of biomass under no or limited oxygen supply has been found to ameliorate some of the negative effects of soil. Biochar modifications can lead to an increase in the water holding capacity as well as pH modification may also be used as a soil amendment. There are various other physical, chemical, and biological properties of biochar that can impact soils. However, the effects of biochar on soil biota have received much less attention than its effects on soil chemical properties. This review highlights essentially the various methods of preparation of biochar from waste biomasses and its usage as a potential soil amendment agent with a special emphasis on the effect of biochar on soil microbiology. A well-accepted mechanism of the effect of biochar on soil microbe environment still needs more focus. Therefore, the current review will further help in understanding the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of biochar utilization for improving the fertility of the soil.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

• This paper presents a detailed review of the biochar utilization as soil amendment describing the various methods of biochar preparation, its modification, usage for soil improvement, etc.

• A constructive review of the impact of biochar on soil microbiology has also been presented in the paper.

Keywords:

• Biomass
• biochar
• soil amendment
• microbial effect

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India with number BT/COE/34/SP28408/2018 for providing necessary financial support under the early-career project with Ref: Project ID 146 under North East Center for Biological Sciences and Healthcare Engineering (NECBH) Twinning Outreach Programme hosted by Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam funded by Department of Biotechnology (DBT).