journal article·2019-08-23Open access

A Review of Biochar Properties and Their Utilization in Crop Agriculture and Livestock Production

Kajetan Kalus, Jacek Koziel, Sebastian Opaliński

Applied Sciences· Volume 9· Issue 17

Abstract

When it comes to the use of biochar in agriculture, the majority of research conducted in the last decade has focused on its application as a soil amendment and for soil remediation. This treatment improves soil quality, increases crops yields, and sequestrates atmospheric carbon to the soil. Another widely studied aspect connecting biochar with agriculture is the composting processes of various agricultural waste with the addition of biochar. Obtaining the material via the pyrolysis of agricultural waste, including animal manure, has also been investigated. However, given the remarkable properties of biochar, its application potential could be utilized in other areas not yet thoroughly investigated. This review paper summarizes the last decade of research on biochar and its use in crop agriculture and livestock production. Knowledge gaps are highlighted, such as using biochar for the mitigation of odorous emissions from animal manure and by feeding the biochar to animals.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics · Composting and Vermicomposting Techniques · Adsorption and biosorption for pollutant removal

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland

Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA

Funding

Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange · Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences · Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station

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