Biochars multifunctional role as a novel technology in the agricultural, environmental, and industrial sectors

Authors: Novak, Jeffrey; Ro, Kyoung; OK, YONG - Kangwon National University; Sigua, Gilbert; Spokas, Kurt; Uchimiya, Sophie; BOLAN, NANTHI - Newcastle University

Submitted to: Chemosphere
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/24/2015
Publication Date: 11/4/2016
Publication URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.06.066
Citation: Novak, J.M., Ro, K.S., Ok, Y.S., Sigua, G.C., Spokas, K.A., Uchimiya, S.M., Bolan, N. 2016. Biochars multifunctional role as a novel technology in the agricultural, environmental, and industrial sectors. Chemosphere. 142:1-3.

Interpretive Summary: The utilization of biochar as an amendment to improve soil health has been a huge research interest around the globe. The global enthusiasm in using biochar is in response to the anticipated need to increase food production for future global nutrition demands. Moreover, there is realization that food production will be difficult to maintain considering future climatic shifts and their impact on agronomic and environmental systems. As an example of the global usage of biochar, a special session entitled “Biochar Soil Amendments for Environmental and Agronomic Benefits" was held at the 20th World Congress of Soil Science in Jeju, Korea, June 8 to 13, 2014. Two dozen of the world’s experts discussed their research concerning biochar production and characterization, their reactions in soils, and involvement with various pollutants. In this same session, 169 poster presentations also reported on the involvement of biochars in improving soil quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving contaminated soils and water. A large number of folks attended these sessions (250-300 people) and the participants engaged in vibrant discussions. To capture the knowledge presented and discussed during these sessions, research articles from these sessions were published in the scientific journal called Chemosphere. The special issue was entitled “Biochars multifunctional role as a novel technology in the agricultural, environmental, and industrial sectors”. There were 40 manuscripts submitted to the editorial committee and 13 manuscripts were accepted. Additional 15-19 manuscripts still are in review. The assortment of accepted research articles reflects the multifunctional roles of biochars for their utility in the agronomic and environmental sectors.

Technical Abstract: Biochar is utilized around the globe as an amendment to increase soil health characteristics and improve the environmental quality of water and soils systems. This rapid rise in using biochars is in response to the anticipated need to increase food production for future global nutrition demands. Additionally, there is concern that food production and water quality will be difficult to maintain considering future climatic shifts and their impact on agronomic and environmental systems. As an example of the global usage of biochar, a special session entitled “Biochar Soil Amendments for Environmental and Agronomic Benefits" was held at the 20th World Congress of Soil Science in Jeju, Korea, June 8 to 13, 2014. Two dozen of the world’s experts discussed their research findings concerning biochar production and characterization, their reactions in soils, and involvement with various pollutants in soil and water systems. In this same session, scientists presented about 170 poster presentations concerning the involvement of biochars with improving soil quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving contaminated soils and water. A large number of university scientists, government officials, and biochar users attended these sessions (250-300 people) and the participants engaged in vibrant discussions. To capture the knowledge presented and discussed during these sessions, research articles from these sessions were published in Chemosphere. The special issue was entitled “Biochars multifunctional role as a novel technology in the agricultural, environmental, and industrial sectors." There were 40 manuscripts submitted to the editorial committee. Thirteen articles were accepted for publication in the first special issue and additional 15-19 manuscripts are still in review. These additional articles will be published in a second special issue. The assortment of accepted research articles reflects the multifunctional roles of biochars for their utility in the agronomic and environmental sectors.