Author

Rajib Roychowdhury

Abstract

Biochar has gained global recognition as a versatile soil amendment capable of tackling the interconnected issues of soil degradation, declining crop yields, and climate stress. Made through pyrolysis of biomass in limited oxygen, biochar features a distinctive porous structure, surface functional groups, and stable carbon matrices that positively interact with soil’s physical, chemical, and biological processes. This review compiles current understanding of the various ways biochar enhances soil health and crop productivity. Physically, biochar improves soil structure, boosts porosity, decreases bulk density, and increases water retention, supporting stronger root development and reducing drought damage. Chemically, it adjusts soil pH, raises cation exchange capacity, enhances nutrient retention, and minimizes nutrient loss through leaching or volatilization. Biologically, biochar influences microbial communities, fosters beneficial plant growth–promoting bacteria and fungi, and stabilizes enzymes vital for nutrient cycling. These combined effects help plants withstand drought, salinity, temperature extremes, and heavy metal stress by reinforcing antioxidant defenses, osmoprotection, and maintaining ion balance. When integrated with compost, fertilizers, and microbial inoculants, biochar produces synergistic improvements in soil fertility and crop yields across cereals, legumes, and horticultural systems. Its enduring carbon structure also positions biochar as a key element of climate-smart agriculture through long-term carbon storage and greenhouse gas reduction. Although promising, challenges remain concerning performance variability, economic viability, and the necessity for long-term, multi-site field validation. Future developments, including engineered biochars and mechanistic insights from panomics, will be essential to fully unlocking biochar’s potential for sustainable crop improvement.

Pages: 267-280

Doi Number 10.61289/jibs2026.08.30.0597

Keywords Biochar, climate‑smart agriculture, crop productivity, microbial interactions, soil health