Researchers calculate that alternative farming practices could turn staple crop production into a carbon sink and boost crop yields in China if adopted en masse.
Beyond water purification, biochar presents potential applications in agriculture. Phosphate-saturated biochar shows promise as an environmentally friendly phosphate fertilizer, aiding in the recovery and recycling of nitrogen and phosphorus. Experimental research suggests that biochar with adsorbed nitrogen and phosphorus promotes the growth of mung beans, offering a sustainable approach to alleviate fertilizer-related pressures.
This paper discusses the benefits of feeding biochar to dairy cows in improving farming systems. Biochar enhances livestock health, soil fertility, and plant nutrient uptake, leading to increased milk yield and quality. A 9-month study in South Australia demonstrated a 2.2% increase in milk yield and improved soil and plant health. Financially, the overall income increased by 10.0%. Biochar reduced Na, Ca, Fe, and Si release from manure, while improving soil nutrient availability and pasture quality.
This study illustrates the combined effects of biochar and SRF on methane emission, which was significantly reduced. Further the biochar and SRF treated paddy soil exhibited the lowest methane emission rate but the highest crop yield. The results suggest that biochar may reduce methane emission by promoting methane oxidation.
