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Biochar Benefits Green Infrastructure: Global Meta-Analysis and Synthesis
Wenxi Liao1, Md Abdul Halim1, Imrul Kayes1
1Institute of Forestry and Conservation, John H Daniels Faculty of Architecture Landscape and Design, University of Toronto, 33 Willcocks St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B3, Canada.
Environmental Science & Technology
|October 3, 2023
Summary
Biochar enhances green infrastructure (GI) by improving soil water retention and nutrients, boosting plant growth and reducing water pollution. This sustainable additive boosts urban resilience and ecosystem services.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Urban Ecology
- Soil Science
Background:
- Urbanization degrades ecosystem services and increases city vulnerability to climate change.
- Green infrastructure (GI) is vital for urban resilience but often suffers degradation.
- The role of biochar as a substrate additive in GI is promising but not fully understood.
Approach:
- Global meta-analysis and synthesis of studies on biochar in GI.
- Quantified impacts of biochar on substrate properties, plant biomass, and water quality.
- Assessed biochar's effects on microbial communities and greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Points:
- Biochar improves substrate water retention (23%) and nutrients (12-31%), increasing plant biomass (33%).
- Biochar enhances GI's ability to reduce water discharge volume and improve water quality.
- Biochar significantly increases microbial biomass (∼150%) and reduces CO2 and N2O emissions.
Conclusions:
- Biochar additions pervasively benefit a wide range of GI ecosystem functions.
- Biochar improves substrate physicochemical properties and plant growth, enhancing urban sustainability.
- Biochar holds significant potential for improving urban resilience and ecosystem services.
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