Sharma et al. (2023): A critique of the effectiveness of biochar for managing soil health and soil biota
Saurabh Sharma, Manisha Negi, Uday Sharma, Pardeep Kumar, Anjali Chauhan, Shavnam, Vijeta Katoch, Rohit Sharma IN: Applied Soil Ecology 191, 105065, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2023.105065
This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the different facets of biochar (BCH), including its potential positive and negative impacts on soil fertility, biology, and pathology. The incorporation of BCH in soil has been shown to boost plant growth, promote bacterial activity, and increase invertebrate populations. The specific type of BCH utilized, including the feedstock (FS) and pyrolysis temperature, in conjunction with pollutant concentrations, play a crucial role in determining the ultimate impact of this material on soil. Adverse effects of BCH on soil can manifest due to multiple factors, underscoring the need for meticulous and appropriate measures prior to its use in agriculture.