A Review of Biochar from Biomass and Its Interaction with Microbes: Enhancing Soil Quality and Crop Yield in <i>Brassica</i> Cultivation

Biochar, produced from biomass, has become recognized as a sustainable soil amendment that has the potential to improve soil quality and agricultural production. This review focuses on production processes and properties of biochar derived from different types of biomass, including the synergistic i...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Kritsana Jatuwong, Worawoot Aiduang, Tanongkiat Kiatsiriroat, Wassana Kamopas, Saisamorn Lumyong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Life
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/2/284
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Summary:Biochar, produced from biomass, has become recognized as a sustainable soil amendment that has the potential to improve soil quality and agricultural production. This review focuses on production processes and properties of biochar derived from different types of biomass, including the synergistic interactions between biochar and soil microorganisms, emphasizing their influence on overall soil quality and crop production, particularly in cultivation of <i>Brassica</i> crops. It additionally addresses the potential benefits and limitations of biochar and microbial application. Biomass is a renewable and abundant resource and can be converted through pyrolysis into biochar, which has high porosity, abundant surface functionalities, and the capacity to retain nutrients. These characteristics provide optimal conditions for beneficial microbial communities that increase nutrient cycling, reduce pathogens, and improve soil structure. The information indicates that the use of biochar in <i>Brassica</i> crops can result in improved plant growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and stress mitigation. This review includes information about biochar properties such as pH, elemental composition, ash content, and yield, which can be affected by the different types of biomass used as well as pyrolysis conditions like temperature. Understanding these variables is essential for optimizing biochar for agricultural use. Moreover, the information on the limitations of biochar and microbes emphasizes the importance of their benefits with potential constraints. Therefore, sustainable agriculture methods can possibly be achieved by integrating biochar with microbial management measurements, resulting in higher productivity and adaptability in <i>Brassica</i> or other plant crop cultivation systems. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of biochar’s role in supporting sustainable <i>Brassica</i> farming and its potential to address contemporary agricultural challenges.
ISSN:2075-1729