Biochar: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Role in Soil Health
Akarsha Raj *
Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur- 313001, Rajasthan, India.
Anchal Karol
Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur- 313001, Rajasthan, India.
Ashline Shaji
Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur- 680656, Kerala, India.
Rajnish Pandey
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Hitesh Gupta
Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal- 249199, Uttarakhand, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Soil health plays a crucial role in agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and global food security. In recent years, biochar has emerged as a promising soil amendment due to its ability to enhance soil fertility, nutrient retention, water holding capacity, and overall soil health. From an agricultural standpoint, using biochar as a soil conditioner has various advantages, including improved physical, chemical, and biological qualities of soils, which leads to enhanced crop output. Biochar can be utilised for soil carbon sequestration, reducing the bioavailability of pollutants impacting living organisms, and water treatment due to its physicochemical qualities This review paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the role of biochar in improving soil health.
Keywords: Biochar, nutrient retention, soil conditioner, soil health
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