Contents


**Chapter 7 121** Biochar: A Sustainable Approach for Improving Soil Health and Environment *by Shreya Das, Samanyita Mohanty, Gayatri Sahu, Mausami Rana and Kiran Pilli*

Preface

Soil is a fundamental component of Earth's environment. It is one of the subsystems of the Earth, being the interface between the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, and organisms that inhabit it. As its main functions, soil regulates natural material and energy cycles and is extremely sensitive to the effects of climate change and human

The genesis of soils is closely related to the changes undergone by the materials that make up the Earth's crust in proximity to the topographic surface. Subject to environmental conditions other than those that originated them, on the Earth's surface, rocks undergo a wide range of weathering processes, phenomena that essentially promote the breakdown of rocks, transforming them into detritic materials and

Subjected to a diverse set of factors, soils undergo a degrading process, much of

Soil erosion is an extremely serious environmental problem, widespread on practically the entire land surface, with direct and indirect effects on its productivity and

The consequences of this phenomenon are especially serious if we consider that the average rate of soil formation is around 1 t/ha/year, and the soil loss values are greater than 15 t/ha/year in China, 6 to 7 t/ha/year in the United States [4], and greater than 14 t/ha/year in Europe, in agricultural areas, vineyards, or soils

In addition, soil erosion can lead to the loss of 75% to 80% of its carbon content,

It is a global problem and, although it is more serious in developing countries, it

Soil erosion is a phenomenon that occurs on practically the entire land surface, and in some areas, erosion and consequent deposition are essential for maintaining the

However, the erosion action that occurs in the slopes also promotes the removal of the superficial part of the soil, precisely that where the highest concentration of nutrients is present [7]. When this process occurs at rates faster than those

If we realize that soil is responsible for 99% of the world's food production [8] then we will easily understand that it is critical to develop and implement soil

them of anthropic origin, which promote its erosion [2].

causing the emission of carbon into the atmosphere [6].

currently concerning in technologically more advanced countries.

necessary for weathering and soil formation, its loss is irreversible.

and historical activities [1].

chemical solutions.

thus human survival [3].

without vegetation [5].

soil's natural fertility.
