Carbonization of Agricultural Waste for Water Pollution Control in Agro-Pastoral Zones: Research Progress, Challenges, and Future Prospects

The intertwined development of agriculture and animal husbandry has exacerbated water pollution risks in agro-pastoral zones. Agricultural waste, if improperly managed, leads to the migration of nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals, and pathogens into water bodies, causing eutrophication and deterioration of water quality. Carbonization of agricultural waste, particularly through the application of biochar, offers a promising strategy to mitigate these environmental challenges while enhancing soil quality and promoting sustainable agriculture. This review systematically analyzes the mechanisms, environmental benefits, and influencing factors of carbonization technology in the unique climatic and hydrological conditions of agro-pastoral regions. It identifies key challenges including climatic variability, lack of standardized biochar production protocols, limited long-term monitoring, and economic constraints. Future research directions are proposed, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, technological integration, dynamic adaptation to climate change, and supportive policy frameworks. This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing the application of carbonization technology to improve ecological resilience, water security, and agricultural sustainability in vulnerable agro-pastoral ecosystems.