Research on the Effects of Biochar Addition on Soil Carbon Emissions: CO2 and CH4

Authors

  • Liping Zhai

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62051/ijnres.v8n1.06

Keywords:

Environmental soil; Carbon emissions; Biochar.

Abstract

Soil carbon emissions significantly influence the global carbon balance as a major component of the terrestrial carbon pool. Biochar, an emerging soil amendment, has garnered significant interest for its potential to enhance carbon sequestration, improve soil fertility, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. However, the impacts of biochar on soil CO2 and CH4 emissions are complex and context-dependent, varying with biochar properties, soil types, and environmental conditions. Integrating proposed mechanisms for biochar-induced soil greenhouse gas mitigation with statistical analyses of published literature, this review systematically examines the effects of biochar on CO2 and CH4 emissions and identifies future research priorities. Specific focus is given to biochar produced at pyrolysis temperatures of 500-600 °C, its application in flooded soils, and its effects within straw-return agricultural systems. Through critical analysis of existing literature, this review aims to offer insights to guide further research and practical applications in this field.

References

[1] Olaniyan, J.O., Isimikalu, T.O., Raji, B.A., Affinnih, K.O., Alasinrin, S.Y., Ajala, O.N. “An investigation of the effect of biochar application rates on CO2 emissions in soils under upland rice production in southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria”, Heliyon, Vol. 6, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05578

[2] Tao, B., Chen, Q., Yang, H., Jiang, Y., Wang, J., Zhang, B. “Combined effect of biochar addition and temperature on methane absorption of topsoil in a temperate forest, China”, Ecological Engineering, Vol. 187, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2022.106844

[3] Novak, J.M., Busscher, W.J., Laird, D.L., Ahmedna, M., Watts, D.W., Niandou, M.A.S. “Impact of Biochar Amendment on Fertility of a Southeastern Coastal Plain Soil”, Soil Science, Vol. 174, pp. 105–112, 2009. https://doi.org/10.1097/SS.0b013e3181981d9a

[4] Kotuš, T., Horák, J., Drgoňová, K. “Effect of biochar amendment and nitrogen fertilization on soil CO2 emission during spring period”, Acta Horticulturae et Regiotecturae, Vol. 25, pp. 121–128, 2022. https://doi.org/10.2478/ahr-2022-0016

[5] Jugsujinda, A., Patrick, W.H “Methane and water soluble iron production under controlled soil pH and redox conditions1”, Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, Vol. 27, pp. 2221–2227, 1966. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103629609369699

[6] Rodhe, H. “A comparison of the contribution of various gases to the greenhouse effect”, Science, Vol. 248, pp. 1217–1219, 1990. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.248.4960.1217

[7] Lehmann, J., Gaunt, J., Rondon, M. “Biochar Sequestration in Terrestrial Ecosystems – A Review”, Mitig Adapt Strat Glob Change, Vol. 11, pp. 403–427,2006. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11027-005-9006-5

[8] Mukherjee, A., Zimmerman, A.R. “Organic carbon and nutrient release from a range of laboratory-produced biochars and biochar–soil mixtures”, Geoderma, Vol. 193–194, pp. 122–130, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2012.10.002

[9] Wang, Y., Hu, Y., Zhao, X., Wang, S., Xing, G. “Comparisons of Biochar Properties from Wood Material and Crop Residues at Different Temperatures and Residence Times”, Energy Fuels, Vol. 27, 5890–5899, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1021/ef400972z

[10] Chan, K.Y., Zwieten, L.V., Meszaros, I., Downie, A., Joseph, S. “Agronomic values of greenwaste biochar as a soil amendment”, 2007. Soil Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/sr07109

[11] Ali, M.A., Barman, S.C., Islam Khan, Md.A., Khan, Md.B., Jahan Hiya, H.“MITIGATION YIELD SCALED METHANE EMISSION FROM RICE GROWN IN WATER STRESS CONDITIONS WITH BIOCHAR AND SILICATE AMENDMENTS”, Int. J. Big Data Mini. Glob. Warm, Vol. 03, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1142/S2630534821500078

[12] Sun, Y., Lu, S., Chen, Y. “Variations and controlling factors of soil CO2 release at daytime and nighttime scales in the loess hilly regions of China”, Geoderma, Vol. 454, pp. 117167,2025.

[13] Atkinson, C.J. “How good is the evidence that soil‐applied biochar improves water‐holding capacity? Soil Use and Management, Vol. 34, pp. 177–186, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.12413

[14] Kloss, S., Zehetner, F., Dellantonio, A., Hamid, R., Ottner, F., Liedtke, V., Schwanninger, M., Gerzabek, M.H., Soja, G. “Characterization of Slow Pyrolysis Biochars: Effects of Feedstocks and Pyrolysis Temperature on Biochar Properties”, Journal of Environmental Quality, Vol. 41, pp. 990–1000, 2012. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2011.0070

[15] Zhou, X., Xiao, C., Zhang, B., Yang, X. “Depth-dependent response of soil microbial community and greenhouse gas efflux to polylactic acid microplastics and tidal cycles in a mangrove ecosystem”, J Hazard Mater, Vol. 489, pp. 137664, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137664

[16] Choudhary, T.K., Khan, K.S., Hussain, Q., Ashfaq, M., Saqlain, C.M. “Biochars Induced Changes in CO2 Evolution and Biochemical Properties of an Alkaline Subtropical soil”, J Soil Sci Plant Nutr, Vol. 25, pp. 982–997, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-024-02179-w

[17] Lehmann, J., Joseph, S. “Biochar for Environmental Management: Science, Technology and Implementation”, 2024. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003297673

[18] Li, Y., Fan, C., Liu, L., Zhai, X., Zang, B., Li, Y.-Y., Chen, R. “Biochar-induced quorum sensing enhances methane production by strengthening direct interspecies electron transfer”, Bioresour Technol, Vol. 434, pp. 132-845, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132845

[19] Sun, Q., Meng, J., Lan, Y., Shi, G., Yang, X., Cao, D., Chen, W., Han, X. “Long-term effects of biochar amendment on soil aggregate stability and biological binding agents in brown earth”, CATENA, Vol. 205, pp. 105-460, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2021.105460

[20] Ouyang, K., Wang, Z., Sun, Z., Huang, G., Yang, L., Liu, M., Fan, C., Lin, Z. “Microtopography and hydrological regulation alter CO2 and CH4 fluxes in urban wetlands: Evidence from the Pearl River Delta, China”, Catena, Vol. 246, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2024.108455

[21] Qi, Q., Sun, C., Zhang, J., He, Y., Wah Tong, Y. “Internal enhancement mechanism of biochar with graphene structure in anaerobic digestion: The bioavailability of trace elements and potential direct interspecies electron transfer”, Chemical Engineering Journal, Vol. 406, pp. 126-833, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2020.126833

[22] Shrestha, R.K., Jacinthe, P.-A., Lal, R., Lorenz, K., Singh, M.P., Demyan, S.M., Ren, W., Lindsey, L.E. “Biochar as a negative emission technology: A synthesis of field research on greenhouse gas emissions”, J Environ Qual, Vol. 52, pp. 769–798, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.20475

[23] Aravind, P.V. “Review of Large-Scale Biochar Field-Trials for Soil Amendment and the Observed Influences on Crop Yield Variations”, Frontiers in Energy Research, Vol. 9, 2021. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2021.710766

[24] Woolf, D., Lehmann, J. “Modelling the long-term response to positive and negative priming of soil organic carbon by black carbon”, Biogeochemistry, Vol. 111, pp. 83–95, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-012-9764-6

[25] Cross, A., Sohi, S.P. “The priming potential of biochar products in relation to labile carbon contents and soil organic matter status”, Soil Biology and Biochemistry, Vol. 43, pp. 2127–2134, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2011.06.016

[26] Singh, N., Abiven, S., Maestrini, B., Bird, J.A., Torn, M.S., Schmidt, M.W.I. “Transformation and stabilization of pyrogenic organic matter in a temperate forest field experiment”, Glob Chang Biol, Vol. 20, pp. 1629–1642, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12459

[27] Yoo, G., Kim, H., Choi, J.Y. “Soil Aggregate Dynamics Influenced by Biochar Addition using the 13C Natural Abundance Method”, Soil Science Society of America Journal, Vol. 81, pp. 612–621, 2017. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2016.09.0313

[28] Glaser, B., Balashov, E., Haumaier, L., Guggenberger, G., Zech, W. “Black carbon in density fractions of anthropogenic soils of the Brazilian Amazon region”, Organic Geochemistry, Vol. 31, pp. 669–678, 2000. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0146-6380(00)00044-9

[29] Joseph, S.D., Camps-Arbestain, M., Lin, Y., Munroe, P., Chiaa, C.H. “An investigation into the reactions of biochar in soil”, Soil Research, Vol. 48, pp. 501–515, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1071/SR10009

[30] Kasozi, G.N., Zimmerman, A.R., Nkedi-Kizza, P., Gao, B. “Catechol and Humic Acid Sorption onto a Range of Laboratory-Produced Black Carbons (Biochars)”, Environmental Science & Technology, Vol. 44, pp. 6189–6195, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1021/es1014423

Downloads

Published

22-01-2026

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Zhai, L. (2026). Research on the Effects of Biochar Addition on Soil Carbon Emissions: CO2 and CH4. International Journal of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, 8(1), 58-63. https://doi.org/10.62051/ijnres.v8n1.06