A review of many studies finds that adding biochar to soil boosts crop growth and the total amount of calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper and zinc plants take in. Small doses of alkaline, wood-based biochar made at moderate temperatures work best, and vegetables benefit most.
1
Biochar significantly increased crop aboveground biomass and total secondary-/micro-nutrient accumulation without significantly changing overall nutrient concentrations.
2
Effects were element-specific: Fe, Cu and Zn concentrations rose, Mg, Mn and S concentrations fell, and Ca showed no significant change.
3
Optimal conditions were 400-500 °C pyrolysis, wood-based feedstock, application rates of 1% (w/w) or less, and alkaline pH; vegetables showed the strongest response across soils and crops.
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