Charcoal and Biochar Research in Serbia

Charcoal and biochar, two carbon-rich products derived from the pyrolysis of biomass, are the subject of renewed scientific interest due to their diverse roles in archaeology, agriculture, environmental protection and industry. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of Serbian research conducted between 2004 and 2024, highlighting the diversity of biomass sources, pyrolysis conditions and the expanding range of applications for these materials. Charcoal, traditionally used as a fuel, is explored here in its broader role – from archaeological analyses revealing ancient human-environment interactions to modern applications in radon monitoring, organic agriculture, detoxification by adsorption, and medicine. In particular, retorted beech charcoal has proved very useful in improving soil fertility and developing antimicrobial composites. In par allel, biochar research in Serbia has focused on the production of wood and non-wood biomass, including agricultural residues and invasive plant species, with applications spanning soil improvement, environmental remediation, pollutant adsorption, enzyme immobilization, and bioenergy. This review highlights the in terdisciplinary importance of charcoal and biochar, their evolving production methods, and their untapped potential for environmental, agricultural, and technological progress in Serbia and beyond.