Biochar could revolutionize water-scarce regions, boosting crop yields and food security.
The article looks at how adding biochar, a renewable material, affects the ability of soil to hold water. It examines different methods to measure water holding capacity (WHC) in biochar and biochar-mixed soil. The researchers found that adding biochar can help soil hold more water, especially in soils with coarse textures. However, the effects can vary based on the type of biochar and how it was made. Using biochar from unknown sources or with unclear production methods could have unintended consequences on water retention in the soil. So, while biochar can boost soil's ability to hold water, caution is needed to ensure it's done in a beneficial way without harmful side effects.