Biochar for Soil Carbon Sequestration: Current Knowledge, Mechanisms, and Future Perspectives

Biochar, a sustainable solid material derived from biomass pyrolysis enriched in carbon, has emerged as a promising solution for soil carbon sequestration. This comprehensive review analyzes the current knowledge on biochar’s application in this context. It begins by examining biochar properties and...

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Main Authors: Simeng Li, Desarae Tasnady
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-07-01
Series:C
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5629/9/3/67
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author Simeng Li
Desarae Tasnady
author_facet Simeng Li
Desarae Tasnady
author_sort Simeng Li
collection DOAJ
description Biochar, a sustainable solid material derived from biomass pyrolysis enriched in carbon, has emerged as a promising solution for soil carbon sequestration. This comprehensive review analyzes the current knowledge on biochar’s application in this context. It begins by examining biochar properties and production methods, highlighting its recalcitrant nature as a potential stable carbon sink. The influence of various feedstocks and pyrolysis conditions on various physicochemical properties of biochar and its soil carbon sequestration potential is explored. Mechanisms through which biochar enhances soil carbon sequestration are discussed, including its role as a physical barrier against carbon loss and its ability to promote stable soil aggregates and influence soil microorganisms. Challenges and limitations, such as variations in biochar properties and optimal application rates, are addressed, along with strategies for maximizing biochar effectiveness through amendments. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of long-term field studies, standardized protocols, and economic assessments to support the widespread adoption of biochar for soil carbon sequestration and its potential in climate change mitigation.
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spelling doaj.art-79e728c5dc7e4617a665fc8e96df26a62023-11-19T09:57:09ZengMDPI AGC2311-56292023-07-01936710.3390/c9030067Biochar for Soil Carbon Sequestration: Current Knowledge, Mechanisms, and Future PerspectivesSimeng Li0Desarae Tasnady1Department of Civil Engineering, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768, USADepartment of Civil Engineering, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768, USABiochar, a sustainable solid material derived from biomass pyrolysis enriched in carbon, has emerged as a promising solution for soil carbon sequestration. This comprehensive review analyzes the current knowledge on biochar’s application in this context. It begins by examining biochar properties and production methods, highlighting its recalcitrant nature as a potential stable carbon sink. The influence of various feedstocks and pyrolysis conditions on various physicochemical properties of biochar and its soil carbon sequestration potential is explored. Mechanisms through which biochar enhances soil carbon sequestration are discussed, including its role as a physical barrier against carbon loss and its ability to promote stable soil aggregates and influence soil microorganisms. Challenges and limitations, such as variations in biochar properties and optimal application rates, are addressed, along with strategies for maximizing biochar effectiveness through amendments. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of long-term field studies, standardized protocols, and economic assessments to support the widespread adoption of biochar for soil carbon sequestration and its potential in climate change mitigation.https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5629/9/3/67biocharbiomass pyrolysiscarbon sequestrationcarbon sinkclimate change mitigationmechanisms
spellingShingle Simeng Li
Desarae Tasnady
Biochar for Soil Carbon Sequestration: Current Knowledge, Mechanisms, and Future Perspectives
C
biochar
biomass pyrolysis
carbon sequestration
carbon sink
climate change mitigation
mechanisms
title Biochar for Soil Carbon Sequestration: Current Knowledge, Mechanisms, and Future Perspectives
title_full Biochar for Soil Carbon Sequestration: Current Knowledge, Mechanisms, and Future Perspectives
title_fullStr Biochar for Soil Carbon Sequestration: Current Knowledge, Mechanisms, and Future Perspectives
title_full_unstemmed Biochar for Soil Carbon Sequestration: Current Knowledge, Mechanisms, and Future Perspectives
title_short Biochar for Soil Carbon Sequestration: Current Knowledge, Mechanisms, and Future Perspectives
title_sort biochar for soil carbon sequestration current knowledge mechanisms and future perspectives
topic biochar
biomass pyrolysis
carbon sequestration
carbon sink
climate change mitigation
mechanisms
url https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5629/9/3/67
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