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Updated: Jan 12, 2026
09:39
Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Published on: November 28, 2014
35.7K
Enhancing soil health and phosphorus use efficiency with modified biochar amendment.
Juan P Frene1, Nitesh Kasera2, Deb P Jaisi3
1Agricultural Science Center, New Mexico State University, Clovis, NM, 88101, USA.
The Science of the Total Environment
|October 30, 2025
Summary
Modified biochar, especially iron-modified biochar (FeB), significantly boosts sorghum yield and phosphorus utilization efficiency (PUE) by improving soil health and nutrient retention, while reducing phosphorus loss.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Low phosphorus (P) solubility in soils limits plant bioavailability, necessitating high P application rates.
- Biochar enhances soil nutrient retention, with modified biochars showing potential for further improvement.
- Quantifying phosphorus uptake and utilization efficiency (PUE) with pristine and modified biochar is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pristine and modified biochar on soil health, sorghum yield, and P uptake.
- To quantify plant P utilization efficiency (PUE) under different biochar treatments.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of P utilization influenced by biochar modification.
Main Methods:
- Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) was grown under four treatments: no-biochar control (CK), pristine biochar (PrB), iron-modified biochar (FeB), and magnesium-modified biochar (MgB).
- Measurements included soil health indicators, sorghum biomass and grain yield, P uptake, and PUE.
- Leachate analysis was conducted to assess nutrient retention and availability.
Main Results:
- Biochar application increased sorghum grain (10-27%) and biomass (5-15%) yields, with FeB showing the highest grain yield increase.
- Modified biochars (FeB, MgB) decreased P concentration in plant tissues, increasing PUE by 61% (FeB) and 34% (MgB) compared to controls.
- FeB and MgB enhanced leachate cation availability and retained more P, S, and Cu, while MgB improved photosynthesis and FeB influenced soil pH and nutrient availability.
Conclusions:
- Modified biochar amendments significantly enhance crop yield and PUE in sorghum cultivation.
- FeB and MgB improve soil properties and nutrient dynamics, mitigating P leaching and enhancing agronomic sustainability.
- Biochar modification offers a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture by optimizing nutrient use and crop productivity.
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