Contents



Preface

Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced from the pyrolysis of organic materials from agricultural and forestry biomass at a relatively low temperature in the absence of oxygen. Such a process turns agricultural wastes into more useful products. Several studies highlighted the beneficial roles of biochar in solving many agricultural and environmental problems. This product is characterized by the presence of relatively stable carbon forms and therefore it can persist in soils for years. Its application effectively raises soil fertility, especially light-textured soil, with low negative impacts on the global warming threat. Moreover, it can be used successfully to ameliorate contaminated soils and wastewaters. Thus, biochar has become a main focus of research activities over the last few years. Many of these researches bring promises and hopes about the potentiality of using biochar to achieve environmental sustainability goals. In this book, we summarize the latest developments in biochar research activities.

This book includes five sections: "Introduction," "Production and Legislation of Biochar," "Applications of Biochar for Soil Fertility Improvement," "Role of Biochar for Soil Remediation and Ameliorating Salinity Effects" and "Applications of Biochar for Water Treatment." Chapters in the mentioned sections discuss the pros and cons of handling this organic product to sustain the environment and the possible negative effects that come from its extensive use; production process of biochar and its development from basic techniques to highly advanced producing plants; the characteristics of biochar generated from different pyrolysis methods and its role for the remediation of potentially toxic-element contaminated soils and to alleviate adverse salinity effects in salt-affected soils; as well as the potentiality of biochar applications for treating water contaminated with organic and inorganic pollutants.

The editors would like to thank all authors for their contributions. We hope this book will be an invaluable resource for all researchers interested in biochar and

**Ahmed A. Abdelhafez (Editor)**

**Mohammed H. H. Abbas (Co-Editor)**

Faculty of Agriculture, Soils and Water Department, New Valley University,

Faculty of Agriculture, Soils and Water Department,

Benha University,

China

Egypt

Egypt

Eco-environmental Protection Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Science (SAAS),

environmental studies.
