Exploring the Role of Rice Straw Biochar in Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Health

Abstract

Burning rice straw in open fields has led to a plethora of concerns, ranging from air pollution to soil carbon losses, posing a risk to human health and disturbing the soil ecosystem. The problem of rice stubble burning has been addressed by adopting different in-situ and ex-situ conservation technologies supported by the government and private companies. Biochar production from rice straw is one such method. Biochar is a carbon-rich porous material produced by the thermochemical conversion of various biomass feedstocks and is used globally to improve soil properties. It plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture and in environmental health. It has the potential to enhance soil fertility, water retention, and nutrient cycling, while also offering carbon sequestration benefits. However, the adoption of biochar as a soil amendment practice is still challenging owing to the limited understanding of the long-term effects on soil health, the establishment of onsite production facilities, high energy consumption in the production process, and inconsistent results depending on the variable soil types. For biochar to be applied practically for soil improvement in different climatic regions and crop production, it is important to understand the potential effects of biochar on soil properties, the factors that cause soil to change when biochar is added, and the mechanisms of biochar–soil interaction. This review provides an overview of the current research on rice straw biochar and identifies key limitations that will direct future research and policy decisions for its integration into sustainable farming practices. It underscores the potential of biochar to combat global warming, mitigate environmental damage, and its role in reversing the impacts of climate change in line with sustainable development goals.