Biochar‐based land development

Biochar or pyrogenic carbon, obtained from the thermo-chemical conversion of biomass in an anaerobic or oxygen-limited environment has been in use in agriculture since long back to the Neolithic era. Its unique soil ameliorating properties, render it suitable for environmental remediation as well as sustainable crop production. It improves soil physicochemical properties and plant nutrient availability, reduces toxic chemical load, facilitates biodiversity, and reduces the emission of greenhouse gases thereby subsiding global warming. The application of biochar reduces soil erosion, improves soil hydrological properties, and soil microbial dynamics. It has synergistic effects on plant growth, disease-pest resistance, and crop yield per unit area and time. Due to its soil ameliorative effects, and soil and water-conserving ability, it can very well be used in organic farming, permaculture, dryland farming, conservation agriculture, and land remediation. Cheaper production cost, simple and easy pyrolytic technologies, easy availability of feedstock and bio-wastes in many developing countries, and its long-term effects on soil not only build up soil carbon pool but also help support small and marginal farmers in resource-rich but economically deprived countries for sustainable agriculture and land development. In this review, efforts have been made to elucidate various uses of biochar, its characteristics and applications effects on soil systems, land development, and sustainable agricultural production towards achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.