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Biochar as a Strategy to Mitigate Greenhouse Gases in Degraded Drylands of the Brazilian Semiarid Region: Carbon Stocks and CO 2 Fluxes
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Researchers evaluated whether two pyrolytic biochars — co-pyrolyzed sewage sludge with cashew pruning and cashew bagasse biochar — could restore carbon stocks and reduce CO2 emissions in degraded semiarid soils. Both biochars increased total organic carbon and carbon stocks compared to untreated controls, suggesting they can contribute to climate change mitigation and soil restoration in dryland ecosystems.
ABSTRACT Background Biochar can enhance total organic carbon (TOC) stocks and reduce CO 2 emissions in degraded soils. Aims This study assessed the effects of pyrolytic biochars on TOC recovery and CO 2 emissions in a greenhouse experiment. Methods PVC columns (20 cm diameter, 50 cm height) were filled with soil and arranged in a factorial scheme (2 × 4 + 1) with four replicates. Treatments included two biochars: co‐pyrolyzed sewage sludge and cashew pruning (SPB) and cashew bagasse biochar (CBB), applied at 5, 10, 20, and 40 Mg ha −1 , plus a control. CO 2 flux was measured in two additional gas collection events. TOC content and bulk density were analyzed, and carbon stocks (CSs) were calculated. Results The application of 5 and 40 Mg ha −1 of SPB and CBB increased TOC and CSs compared to the control. CO 2 flux fluctuated between samplings, as expected with corn introduction. The highest CO 2 flux initially occurred in SPB40, followed by CBB20, whereas in the second sampling, CBB5 showed the highest flux and CBB20 the lowest. Conclusion These results suggest that SPB and CBB applications improve soil CSs and mitigate CO 2 fluxes, contributing to climate change mitigation and soil restoration.
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A 91-day soil experiment found that biochar reduced CO2 and N2O emissions, but the presence of microplastics partially counteracted these benefits, suggesting that plastic pollution can undermine soil carbon management strategies.
Combined Effect of Biochar and Microplastics on Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Meta-Analysis
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Microplastics in soil don't just pollute the ground—they also boost greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change. This study found that biochar (a charcoal-like soil additive made from organic waste) can help counteract this effect, though how well it works depends on what the biochar is made from, like straw versus manure or sludge. While this research focuses on environmental impact rather than direct human health effects, it matters because climate change and soil health ultimately affect the food we grow and the air we breathe—and it's a reminder that not all "eco-friendly" soil products work the same way.
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