Biochar: a mechanism of soil ammendment for agricultural productivity

Abstract

A review on the role of biochar in agricultural productivity revealed the importance of biochar as a soil amendment system for sustainable agriculture. There is a growing interest in its use, as a fertilizing material or as incorporation into farming systems for amending soils. It is a fact that biochar is fast assuming the status of a quick fix solution to all soil degradation problems associated with the sustainable management of plant nutrients for strategic increases in crop yields. These call for a careful examination of the benefits and definite drawbacks of biochar. To avoid the abuse of biochar, there is need to quantitatively and qualitatively study its application and deployment for soil amelioration and nutrient boost for crop production. This involves field studies and extensive review of available literatures, to clear any doubt that may exist in the use of biochar. A well-established knowledge based on its beneficial potentials will inform both scientists and farm practitioners how best to engage biochar. This review essentially seeks to highlight the usefulness of biochar and its possible applications and drawbacks as a tool in sustainable agriculture.