Biochar-Soil-Plant interactions: A cross talk for sustainable agriculture under changing climate

Abstract

Biochars provide several agricultural and environmental benefits, such as soil health improvement, better crop growth and yield, carbon sequestration, decreasing greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions, and regulation of nutrient dynamics. This review highlights the role of biochar in transforming the soil’s physiochemical and biological properties, and their impact on improving seed germination and seedling growth, altering crop physiological attributes, enhancing crop resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses, improving crop productivity, curtailing GHGs, and controlling nutrient leaching losses. However, the type of feedstock used, pyrolysis temperature, application rate and method, soil type and crop species largely influence the biochar performance under different environmental conditions. Application of biochars at low rates help to promote seed germination and seedling growth. Biochar modified the abiotic and microbial processes in the rhizosphere and increased nutrient mineralization and enhanced the nutrient availability for plant uptake. Hence, biochar enhanced the plant resistance against diseases, reduced the availability of heavy metals and improved the plant resilience against environmental stressors. By providing a comprehensive analysis about the variable impacts of biochars on soil physicochemical properties, plant growth, development and productivity and mitigating environmental problems, this review is quite valuable for developing an efficient soil and crop specific biochar with desired functionalities. It could be helpful in improving crop productivity, ensuring food security and better management of environment. Furthermore, this review identifies the knowledge gaps and suggests future outlooks for the commercialization of biochar applications on large-scale.

Biochar has positive but distinct impacts on root, shoot, and fruit production in beans, tomatoes, and willows

“…Our results are consistent with these findings; we documented a linear increase in bean germination from 79% in the 0% biochar treatment up to a 100% germination rate in our 26% biochar treatment. These results are inconsistent with the findings of Murtaza et al (2023) that higher rates of biochar application could restrict germination in a variety of plants. We did not identify prior research on the impacts of biochar on the timing of flowering in beans or tomatoes.…”

Influence of organic fertilization on growth and yield of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) in Kabete and Mbooni areas, Kenya

“…This observation is consistent with the review of [ 79 ], who concluded that organic agricultural waste enhances soil health. It is also consistent with the findings of [ 80 ], who found that organic manure was important in plant nutrition in a study in North Western Himalayas, and is also supported by the review of [ 81 ], who observed agronomically beneficial biochar-soil-plant interactions. The manure may also have enhanced soil faunal activities, such as earthworms, improving the structure of soil and cycling of nutrients.…”

The Impact of Trichoderma harzianum Together with Copper and Boron on Wheat Yield

“…Plant growth is affected by the availability of both micro- and macronutrients in soil in adequate amounts. − The availability of micronutrients especially Cu and B perform a remarkable function in plant physiological development and metabolism . Copper is a vital nutrient for plants and actively takes part in many physiological processes which play a significant role in respiration and photosynthesis.…”