Soil acidification and the liming potential of biochar

Nanthi Bolan, Ajit K. Sarmah, Sanandam Bordoloi, Shankar Bolan, Lokesh Padhye, Lukas Van Zwieten, Prasanthi Sooriyakumar, Basit Ahmed Khan, Mahtab Ahmad, Zakaria Solaiman, Jeorg Rinklebe, Hailong Wang, Bhupinder Pal Singh, Kadambot H. M. Siddique

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Soil acidification in managed ecosystems such as agricultural lands principally results from the increased releasing of protons (H +) from the transformation reactions of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) containing compounds. The incorporation of liming materials can neutralize the protons released, hence reducing soil acidity and its adverse impacts to the soil environment, food security, and human health. Biochar derived from organic residues is becoming a source of carbon input to soil and provides multifunctional values. Biochar can be alkaline in nature, with the level of alkalinity dependent upon the feedstock and processing conditions. This review covers the fundamental aspects of soil acidification and of the use of biochar to address constraints related to acidic soil. Biochar is increasingly considered as an effective soil amendment for reducing soil acidity owing to its liming potential, thereby enhancing soil fertility and productivity in acid soils. The ameliorant effect on acid soils is mainly because of the dissolution of carbonates, (hydro)-oxides of the ash fraction of biochar and potential use by microorganisms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number120632
JournalEnvironmental Pollution
Volume317
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 15 2023

Keywords

  • ISTC
  • Aluminium toxicity
  • Potentially toxic elements
  • Plant nutrients
  • Soil acidity
  • Biochar
  • Basic cations

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pollution
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
  • Toxicology

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