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The Biological Effects of Biochar on Soil’s Physical and Chemical Characteristics: A Review

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  • Zetao Zhu

    (Faculty of Morden Agricultrual Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Yuan Zhang

    (Faculty of Morden Agricultrual Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Wenmei Tao

    (Faculty of Morden Agricultrual Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Xiaoli Zhang

    (Shanghai Jianke Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200032, China)

  • Zhongda Xu

    (Faculty of Morden Agricultrual Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Chengcheng Xu

    (Faculty of Morden Agricultrual Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

Abstract

Owing to its high pH, nutrient content, porous structure, and strong adsorption properties, biochar is an effective soil amendment. The application of biochar to soil represents an effective strategy for ameliorating the environmental conditions in soil, enhancing its fertility, promoting plant growth, and mitigating pollution in soil. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the changes in soil’s physicochemical properties that are induced by the application of biochar remain unclear. For this article, we reviewed and analyzed the literature on the impact of biochar application on soil’s physicochemical properties over the past 20 years, exploring the effects of biochar on eight key physicochemical indicators of soil, including soil aggregates, bulk density, pH, and electrical conductivity. Based on our analysis of multiple experimental results from various articles, this article provides an overview of these effects. A wide range of researchers have elucidated the application and mechanisms of the impact of biochar. This study reveals that the application rate of biochar, the type of feedstock, and the pyrolysis temperature are the main factors influencing the effectiveness of biochar in improving soil’s physicochemical properties. Furthermore, these improvements are influenced by soil’s texture and environmental conditions. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of considering multiple factors when utilizing biochar for soil enhancement.

Suggested Citation

  • Zetao Zhu & Yuan Zhang & Wenmei Tao & Xiaoli Zhang & Zhongda Xu & Chengcheng Xu, 2025. "The Biological Effects of Biochar on Soil’s Physical and Chemical Characteristics: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-26, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:2214-:d:1604835
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrenelli, M.C. & Maienza, A. & Genesio, L. & Miglietta, F. & Pellegrini, S. & Vaccari, F.P. & Vignozzi, N., 2016. "Field application of pelletized biochar: Short term effect on the hydrological properties of a silty clay loam soil," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 190-196.
    2. Yang Liu & Xiaoyu Liu & Ni Ren & Yanfang Feng & Lihong Xue & Linzhang Yang, 2019. "Effect of Pyrochar and Hydrochar on Water Evaporation in Clayey Soil under Greenhouse Cultivation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-10, July.
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