Utilizing biochar as a soil management technique for the mitigation of plant diseases: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from the pyrolysis of organic matter, has gained attention in recent years as a sustainable soil amendment with numerous environmental and agricultural benefits. In addition to improving soil fertility and carbon sequestration, biochar has been explored for its potential to mitigate plant diseases. This review discusses the role of biochar in disease suppression, focusing on its effects on soil microbial communities, nutrient dynamics, and plant immune responses. We examine recent case studies and research, highlighting the mechanisms by which biochar contributes to plant disease management and its potential integration into sustainable agricultural practices. Biochar effectively suppresses nematodes and insect pests by altering soil microbial diversity, releasing nematicidal compounds, and inducing plant defenses. As a sustainable solution, biochar-based soil amendments fit within a circular economy and offer potential in integrated pathogen and pest management. Given biochar's complex and varied effects on different pathogens, its composition and application should be tailored and studied locally for optimal results.