Biochar as a means to improve soil fertility and crop productivity: a review
Aanchal Kapoor, Rakesh Sharma, Anil Kumar, Swapana Sepehya
Abstract
Present-day agriculture is challenged to fulfill with twin objectives of achieving food, fodder, fiber and fuel security as well as restoring soil resources for long-term use. Efficient use of crop residues and other farm wastes by converting them to a useful source of soil amendment is a beneficial way to improve soil fertility. The biochar amendment improves soil moisture retention, aggregate stability, pH, cation exchangeable capacity (CEC), nutrient retention, microbial growth and enzymatic activities.It has been observed in several studies that biochar application improves soil fertility and thus increases crop yields on agricultural lands. Therefore, the use of biochar produced from different organic residues is an effective approach for long-term improvement of soil fertility and crop productivity.