Abstract
The rate of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission has been on the steady rise, and pose a threat to the global climate affecting terrestrial ecosystems. Agricultural management practices are reported to be a major source of GHG emissions. Hence, climate adaptive management strategies intended to reduce GHG emissions are of pivotal importance to maintain health soil ecosystem functioning. Biochar, a vital material produced from controlled pyrolysis, when applied to soil has been suggested as an effective means of incorporating climate adaptive soil management strategies by enhancing soil physico-chemical as well as biological properties. This chapter reviews the various effects of biochar on the emission of two selected GHGs (CO2, N2O) and biological soil health indicators. Biochar amended soil has been documented to not only increase carbon storage in soil but also mitigate GHG emissions like carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O). The aromatic structure of biochar makes it very stable, and its slow-releasing form of carbon in the soil makes it essential for long term carbon sequestration. Biochar properties like pyrolysis temperature, biochar feed stock quality, rate and method of application influence soil biological properties on incorporation. Biochar addition to soil has many benefits including stimulation of specific soil microorganisms, soil enzymatic activity, soil respiration which could lead to enhanced biological activity and nutrient cycling or retention.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Advances in Soil Management Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture |
| Publisher | Taylor and Francis CRC Press |
| State | Accepted/In press - 2021 |
