Effects of Biochar Application on Beneficial Soil Organism Review

Biochar is the carbon-rich product obtained when biomass is heated in a closed container with little or no available air with the purpose to amend soil and means to sequester carbon (C) and maintain or improve soil functions (Lehmann and Joseph, 2009). Currently, in response to the need of more sustainable agricultural production and in order to tackle global warming, there are attempts to recreate Terra Preta (ancient soils amended with black carbon) by incorporating biochar to soils as means of increasing soil fertility and carbon sequestration (Lehmann et al., 2006). Biochar addition to soil has a great impact on plant development and root colonization by microorganisms (e.g. mycorrhizal fungi) and nematodes (Sławomir G et al., 2017). Interactions between biochar, soil, microbes, and plant roots were known to occur within a short period after application to the soil (Lehmann and Joseph 2009). According to Lehmann and Joseph (2009), Dissolution, hydrolysis, carbonation, and decarbonation, hydration, and redox reactions are the major process affecting biochar weathering in the soil, as well as interactions with soil biota. The rates at which these reactions occur depending on the nature of the reactions, type of biochar, and climatic conditions. Biochar can influence physical and chemical properties as well as beneficial soil microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates, both in field and laboratory conditions (Sławomir G et al., 2017).