Biochar: A sustainable tool for soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change

The transformation of agricultural waste into biochar that is both eco-friendly and cost-effective is not only a wise recycling strategy but also a solution to environmental pollution management. Due to its low cost, high efficiency, simplicity of use, ecological sustainability, and reliability in terms of public safety, biochar from agricultural residues can be a useful alternative technique for controlling contaminants. Biochars have achieved significant progress in the following areas: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing soil nutrient dispersion, sequestering atmospheric carbon into the soil, increasing agricultural productivity, and reducing the bioavailability of environmental contaminants. A comprehensive scientific assessment of the relationship between the properties of biochars and their impact on soil properties, environmental pollutant remediation, plant growth, yield, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses is warranted by recent advancements in the understanding of biochars. The primary factors influencing biochar's properties are the feedstock nature, heat transfer rate, residence duration, and pyrolysis temperature. The efficacy of biochar in the management of pollutants is significantly influenced by its elemental composition, ion-exchange capacity, pore size distribution, and surface area, which are contingent upon the nature of the feedstock, preparation conditions, and procedures. The chapter investigated the potential of biochar derived from agricultural refuse as a viable alternative for the long-term application of biochar in the environment, soil conditioning, and the remediation of environmental pollutants.