The Potential of Agricultural Waste Biochar in Enhancing Soil Quality, Forage Productivity and Mitigating Greenhouse Gases Emission

Abstract

The increased animal production in recent decades has increased manure production, which has become a significant source of agricultural waste. Although the abundant nutrient content in manure has the potential to be used as an alternative fertilizer, its natural decomposition process will be harmful to the environment. Composting and using manure as organic fertilizer have an adverse effect on the environment, as manure emits CO2, CH4, and N2O, which are harmful to the environment. Converting this animal waste into biochar through pyrolysis might be a better way to apply it to the soil. We reviewed papers to determine the potential of agricultural waste biochar, focusing on animal waste biochar, to combat soil quality degradation and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Due to the scarcity of animal waste biochar information, some discussions are based on other agricultural waste types, mainly rice hull and corncob biochar. Applying biochar has been proven to be a suitable method for improving soil quality, forage productivity and reducing GHG emissions. More detailed research is needed to evaluate the potential of animal waste biochar in this regard.