Impacts of biochar application on upland agriculture: A review. (15th March 2019) - Palansooriya, Kumuduni Niroshika
Abstract: Soil degradation has become an emerging global problem limiting sustainable upland crop production. Soil erosion, soil acidity, low fertility, inorganic/organic contamination, and salinization challenge food security and lead to severe economic constraints. Therefore, a new research agenda to develop cost-beneficial amendments for improving upland soil quality and productivity is urgently required. Biochar has been used in recent years to mitigate the problems mentioned above. Application of biochar improves the upland soil quality through significant changes in soil physicochemical and biological properties, thereby substantially increasing crop yield. This review article aims to discuss the effects of biochar on upland soil quality and productivity based on biochar-soil interactions. The yield of various upland crops can be enhanced by biochar-induced increases of nutrient availability and topsoil retention/recovery. Furthermore, biochar can assist in controlling unsuitable soil acidity/alkalinity/salinity and remediating a contaminated soil while increasing the retention of soil organic carbon, water content, and thereby high crop yield. Biochar is strongly recommended as one of the best management practices to meet the challenges of upland agriculture. However, the properties of biochar and soil type should be considered carefully prior to application. Graphical abstract: Image 10028 Highlights: Potential uses of biochar to address the emerging global problem of soil degradation are reviewed. Biochar-soil interactions trigger beneficial changes in soil physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Biochar is a cost-effective amendment for remediating upland soil quality and improving crop productivity. Selection of biochar must match substrate type and production conditions to desirable soil attributes and intended uses.