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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Vol. 12 No. sp1 (2025): Recent Advances in Agriculture by Young Minds - II

Biochar and forests: A green solution to sustainability

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.8552
Submitted
27 March 2025
Published
11-09-2025 — Updated on 06-10-2025
Versions

Abstract

Biochar is a carbon-rich product that is produced by pyrolysis of organic biomass like forestry waste, animal manure and crop residues in low oxygen conditions using thermochemical processes like pyrolysis, torrefaction, gasification. Slow pyrolysis is most widely utilized among them due to its increased yield and carbon stability. Properties of biochar such as pH, surface area, porosity and nutrient content depend on the feedstock and production conditions. As a green and sustainable solution, biochar finds applications across multiple sectors. In forestry, it enhances soil porosity, water retention capacity, nutrient supply and microbial activity, which stimulates forest regeneration and reduces forest fire risks. In agriculture, biochar enhances soil fertility, agricultural yields, minimizes fertilizer use and leaching of nutrients. Biochar also plays a significant role in climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon in soils for long periods and reducing greenhouse gas emissions such as methane and nitrous oxide. In environmental remediation, its porous structure allows for the adsorption of heavy metals and organic pollutants from soil and water. In the energy industry, biochar is used as a solid renewable fuel or as a byproduct of syngas-producing or bio-oil producing systems. All these multi-variant uses make biochar a powerful instrument for circular economy initiatives, sustainable land management and climate action. With continued research and policy support, biochar presents a potential route toward ecological restoration and stable ecological conditions.

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