Characteristics of Biochar: Biological Properties

Decades of research in Japan and recent studies in the US have shown that biochar stimulates the activity of a variety of agriculturally important soil microorganisms and can greatly affect the microbiological properties of soils (Ogawa et al, 1983; Pietikainen et al, 2000).The presence and size distribution of pores in biochar provides a suitable habitat for many microorganisms by protecting them from predation and desiccation and by providing many of their diverse carbon (C), energy and mineral nutrient needs (Saito and Muramoto, 2002;Warnock et al, 2007).With the interest in using biochar for promoting soil fertility, many scientific studies are being conducted to better understand how this affects the physical and chemical properties of soils and its suitability as a microbial habitat. Since soil organisms provide a myriad of ecosystem services, understanding how adding biochar to soil may affect soil ecology is critical for ensuring that soil quality and the integrity of the soil subsystem are maintained.