Ameliorative Powers of Biochar

Although heavy metals occur naturally in the soil, but global increase in geologic and anthropogenic activities such as mining and smelting of metals, burning of fossil fuels, production of batteries in industries, use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture, sewage sludge, and domestic waste disposal, has resulted in the amplification of these heavy metals in soils, Lead (Pb) especially. This has hampered the growth, performance, and yield of crops grown on such soils, hence global food insecurity. Therefore, the remediation of Pb polluted soils cannot be overemphasized. Bioremediation (use of biochar) is an effective and environmental friendly soil amelioration approach. However, the results of this research showed that chemical properties of soil such as pH, OC, N, AP, Na, Ca, K, Mg and CEC and groundnut growth parameters such as number of leaves, plant height, shoot dry weight and number of effective nodules all increased following biochar application. This book therefore could serve as source of information to researchers particularly those in soil chemistry, soil fertility, other environmental related specializations, students and farmers especially those in the tropics.