The role of biochar on soil fertility and crop productivity in arid and semi-arid regions: Challenges and opportunities

Document Type : Review

Author

Soil Chemistry and Plant NutritiNatural Resources Management Research, Dryland Agricultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Maragheh, Iran

Abstract

 
More than 80% of Iran's area is arid and semi-arid. Arid and semi-arid soils have various problems and limitations. One of the most important factors limiting soil fertility and crop production in these areas is the lack of soil organic matter (SOM). In more than 60% of Iran's agricultural lands, the amount of SOM is less than 1%; While its optimal level in soils should be 2-3%. SOM, as one of the most important indicators of soil health, plays a vital role in soil fertility and crop production; So, by increasing the amount of SOM, the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the soil and crop yield can be improved. However, the stability and residual effects of the fertilizers and organic wastes in the soil are low. Nowadays, converting organic wastes and residues into biochar and adding them to the soil is one of the new methods of increasing soil organic carbon, which enhance soil fertility and crop yield and has high residual effects due to its high stability. However, due to the specific characteristics of the soils of arid and semi-arid regions, using biochar in these regions is associated with challenges and has received less attention. In this review article, while reviewing the positive effects of biochar on soil quality indicators and crop production, the challenges of using biochar in the soils of arid and semi-arid areas, especially in drylands, and the solutions to overcome these challenges have been reviewed.

Keywords

Main Subjects


The role of biochar on soil fertility and crop productivity in arid and semi-arid regions: Challenges and opportunities

 

EXTENDED ABSTRACT

Background and aim

More than 80% of Iran's area is arid and semi-arid. Arid and semi-arid areas are characterized by a higher evaporation than precipitation, as well as persistent water shortages, frequent droughts, high climate variability, and high wind velocity. These soils have various problems and limitations such as poor physical properties, low fertility and water scarcity. One of the most important factors limiting soil fertility and crop production in these areas is the lack of soil organic matter. In more than 60% of Iran's agricultural lands, the amount of soil organic matter is less than 1%; While its optimal level in soils is 2-3%. Soil organic matter, as one of the most important indicators of soil health, improves soil physical, chemical and biological properties and plays a vital role in crop production; So, by increasing the amount of soil organic matter, the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the soil and crop yield can be improved. However, the organic content in dry soils is biologically and chemically less stable. Hence, organic fertilizers and wastes have low stability and little residual effects in the soil. Nowadays, converting organic wastes and residues into biochar and adding it to the soil is one of the new methods of increasing soil organic carbon.

 

Methodology

In this review article, while reviewing the positive effects of biochar on soil quality indicators and crop production, the challenges of using biochar in arid and semi-arid soils, especially in drylands, and the possible solutions to overcome these challenges have been reviewed.

 

Findings

Biochar's unique physical and chemical properties distinguish it from other soil organic matter. For example, biochar carbon is more resistant to degradation than the original carbon compounds in biomass. Adding biochar to the soil can improve not only its physical properties such as specific surface area, water holding capacity, aeration, and resistance to soil erosion but also its chemical properties such as cation exchange capacity, pH, organic carbon, nutrient availability, and reduced risk of soil contaminants. Moreover, it has such advantageous biological effects as increasing microorganism colonies and their protection against predators, raising soil fertility, enhancing crop yield and carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation, and biofuel production. Therefore, addition of biochar to the soil not only leads to carbon sequestration but also improves soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties, thereby playing an important role in sustainable agriculture and soil management by improving soil fertility and plant yield.

 

Conclusion

Despite the universal attention shown to the biochar for its expected beneficial effects on soil and carbon sequestration, few studies have as of yet been devoted to its production and application in Iran. In addition, due to the specific characteristics of the arid and semi-arid soils, using biochar in these regions is associated with challenges and has received less attention. Due to the high importance of soil organic matter, this article reviewed the advantages of biochar application, including its role in increasing soil fertility and crop productivity in arid and semi-arid soils.

 

 

 

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