Biochar for Crop Protection from Soil Borne Diseases

Pest diseases in crop soils are likely to increase under the warming effects of climate change, calling for advanced practices to control pest and maintain food production. Biochar application, for example, is improving soil health by supplying nutrients, removing toxic compounds, increasing the population of mycorrhizal fungi, nutrient retention and influencing beneficial microorganisms which are known to enhance plant growth and resist phytopathogens. Few reports show that biochar protects to plants against soil borne diseases via induced systemic resistance and systemic acquired resistance. Here we review biochar uses with focus on properties, effects on plant-soil microflora interactions, plant health, plant growth improvement, and control of soilborne diseases.