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The Importance of the Targeted Design of Biochar Physicochemical Properties in Microbial Inoculation for Improved Agricultural Productivity—A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Angelika Gryta

    (Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4 Str., 20-290 Lublin, Poland)

  • Kamil Skic

    (Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4 Str., 20-290 Lublin, Poland)

  • Agnieszka Adamczuk

    (Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4 Str., 20-290 Lublin, Poland)

  • Anna Skic

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 28 Głęboka Str., 20-612 Lublin, Poland)

  • Magdalena Marciniak

    (Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4 Str., 20-290 Lublin, Poland)

  • Grzegorz Józefaciuk

    (Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4 Str., 20-290 Lublin, Poland)

  • Patrycja Boguta

    (Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4 Str., 20-290 Lublin, Poland)

Abstract

Biochar has great potential as a soil conditioner and as a carrier of beneficial microorganisms that support the removal of pollutants, influence the circulation of nutrients, and support plant growth. This review summarizes and discusses factors shaping the physicochemical properties of biochar, including feedstock, pyrolysis conditions, and accompanying processes used as post-pyrolysis modification to improve the functionality of biochar. Key physical and chemical properties such as high porosity and specific surface area, nutrient content, pH, and biochar functional groups are discussed in detail to show biochar’s potential as a carrier for microorganisms. This review also discusses and summarizes biological indicators that allow for assessing the quality and efficiency of the microbiological modifiers. Finally, this paper presents the benefits and limitations of biochar application to agriculture and provides recommendations for future research to improve the quality and expand the applicability of biochar-based inoculants.

Suggested Citation

  • Angelika Gryta & Kamil Skic & Agnieszka Adamczuk & Anna Skic & Magdalena Marciniak & Grzegorz Józefaciuk & Patrycja Boguta, 2023. "The Importance of the Targeted Design of Biochar Physicochemical Properties in Microbial Inoculation for Improved Agricultural Productivity—A Review," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-43, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2023:i:1:p:37-:d:1306876
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lee, Jechan & Yang, Xiao & Cho, Seong-Heon & Kim, Jae-Kon & Lee, Sang Soo & Tsang, Daniel C.W. & Ok, Yong Sik & Kwon, Eilhann E., 2017. "Pyrolysis process of agricultural waste using CO2 for waste management, energy recovery, and biochar fabrication," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 185(P1), pages 214-222.
    2. Gyami Shrestha & Samuel J. Traina & Christopher W. Swanston, 2010. "Black Carbon’s Properties and Role in the Environment: A Comprehensive Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 2(1), pages 1-27, January.
    3. Kung, Chih-Chun & McCarl, Bruce A. & Cao, Xiaoyong, 2013. "Economics of pyrolysis-based energy production and biochar utilization: A case study in Taiwan," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 317-323.
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    Cited by:

    1. Meesha Sharma & Rishabh Kaushik & Maharaj K. Pandit & Yi-Hsuan Lee, 2025. "Biochar-Induced Microbial Shifts: Advancing Soil Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-15, February.
    2. Agampodi Gihan S. D. De Silva & Z K. Hashim & Wogene Solomon & Jun-Bin Zhao & Györgyi Kovács & István M. Kulmány & Zoltán Molnár, 2024. "Unveiling the Role of Edaphic Microalgae in Soil Carbon Sequestration: Potential for Agricultural Inoculants in Climate Change Mitigation," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-33, November.

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