The Impacts of Biochar-Assisted Factors on the Hydrophysical Characteristics of Amended Soils: A Review

Habib Ramezanzadeh, Davoud Zarehaghi (), Ahmad Baybordi, Ali Chenari Bouket, Tomasz Oszako, Faizah N. Alenezi and Lassaad Belbahri
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Habib Ramezanzadeh: Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 51666-16471, Iran
Davoud Zarehaghi: Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 51666-16471, Iran
Ahmad Baybordi: East Azarbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Centre, Soil and Water Research Department, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tabriz 53551-79854, Iran
Ali Chenari Bouket: East Azarbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Centre, Plant Protection Research Department, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tabriz 53551-79854, Iran
Tomasz Oszako: Department of Forest Protection, Forest Research Institute in Sekocin Stary, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland
Faizah N. Alenezi: Marine Biodiscovery Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
Lassaad Belbahri: University Institute of Teacher Education (IUFE), University of Geneva, 24 Rue du Général-Dufour, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 11, 1-25

Abstract: Biochar is known as a well-developed porous carbonaceous material with multifunctional abilities that can enhance the physical properties of soils. However, the lack of certainty about the consequences of biochar application to soils has limited its acceptability. Application of biochar can lead to a series of changes in the physical functions of soil, which are crucial in both agricultural and environmental management. The type of feedstock, pyrolysis conditions, size of particles, and rate of amendments are responsible for biochar effectiveness. Concurrently, the physical characteristics of soil, such as particle-size distribution, can intensify the impacts. Beside the physical attributes, the chemical components and interactions between biochar and the soil interface may play an important role. The chemical properties, such as the value of electrical conductivity, pH and zeta potential, are the remarkable parameters in the hydrophysical behavior. The summary proposes that biochar has a great contribution In enhancing the definite range of aggregation formation, reduction of compaction and shear strength frequency and/or intensity, improvement of microorganisms activity, and abundance. Simultaneously, biochar plays a devastating role by filling the pores, blocking the water flow pathways, and inhibiting macro fauna growth. Particle size of biochar as a major factor, and surface functional groups as a minor factor, affect the performance of biochar in improving the hydrophysical properties of amended soils. The increment in the dosage of biochar application is not promising to enhance the physical properties of soils. Therefore, it is necessary to find a balance between the consumption of biochar and promotion of the soil-water dynamic. This review provides an overview of fastidious perspectives on how to achieve an efficient and sustainable use of biochar in hydrophysical properties.

Keywords: biochar; pyrolysis condition; porosity; aggregation formation; hydraulic conductivity; compaction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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