The Biological Effects of Biochar on Soil’s Physical and Chemical Characteristics: A Review

Zetao Zhu, Yuan Zhang, Wenmei Tao (), Xiaoli Zhang (), Zhongda Xu and Chengcheng Xu
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Zetao Zhu: Faculty of Morden Agricultrual Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Yuan Zhang: Faculty of Morden Agricultrual Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Wenmei Tao: Faculty of Morden Agricultrual Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Xiaoli Zhang: Shanghai Jianke Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200032, China
Zhongda Xu: Faculty of Morden Agricultrual Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Chengcheng Xu: Faculty of Morden Agricultrual Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming 650500, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-26

Abstract: Owing to its high pH, nutrient content, porous structure, and strong adsorption properties, biochar is an effective soil amendment. The application of biochar to soil represents an effective strategy for ameliorating the environmental conditions in soil, enhancing its fertility, promoting plant growth, and mitigating pollution in soil. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the changes in soil’s physicochemical properties that are induced by the application of biochar remain unclear. For this article, we reviewed and analyzed the literature on the impact of biochar application on soil’s physicochemical properties over the past 20 years, exploring the effects of biochar on eight key physicochemical indicators of soil, including soil aggregates, bulk density, pH, and electrical conductivity. Based on our analysis of multiple experimental results from various articles, this article provides an overview of these effects. A wide range of researchers have elucidated the application and mechanisms of the impact of biochar. This study reveals that the application rate of biochar, the type of feedstock, and the pyrolysis temperature are the main factors influencing the effectiveness of biochar in improving soil’s physicochemical properties. Furthermore, these improvements are influenced by soil’s texture and environmental conditions. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of considering multiple factors when utilizing biochar for soil enhancement.

Keywords: biomass; physicochemical property; agriculture; biochar (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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