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Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (36): 90-99.doi: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0274

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Effects of Biochar Substitution on Properties of Cultivation Substrates and Crop Growth and Development

WU Yadi(), DAI Huirong, ZHANG Yan, XIN Mengqi, LIU Ruoxin, WANG Wenbo()   

  1. School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250024
  • Received:2025-04-10 Revised:2025-09-04 Online:2025-12-25 Published:2025-12-25

Abstract:

In order to understand the impact of biochar substitution on agricultural practices and to provide a theoretical basis for the rational application of biochar in soilless cultivation, this article systematically reviews relevant research both domestically and internationally, focusing on the effects of biochar on the physicochemical properties of cultivation substrates, soil biological characteristics, crop morphological characteristics, crop photosynthesis, and yield and quality characteristics. It summarizes the changes in the physicochemical and biological properties of cultivation substrates after biochar application, as well as the response of crop physiological morphology and yield and quality. The results showed that adding biochar to traditional substrates can improve the physicochemical properties of the substrate, such as reducing bulk density, increasing water holding capacity, and stabilizing pH, the effects are closely related to the type of biochar. The application of coconut shell biochar alone reduces the bulk density by 29.6% and increases the total plant biomass by 25.4%. However, biochar may inhibit crop growth under certain conditions, and its production and application process have potential pollution risks (such as raw materials carrying heavy metals, and the generation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and environmentally persistent free radicals during pyrolysis). Therefore, recommendations were proposed including strict raw material screening, optimization of preparation processes, development of targeted modification technologies, and strengthened application management to prevent and control risks, reduce secondary pollution, and promote its green, low-carbon, and safe application. This review aims to provide references for future preparation, application, and mechanistic analysis of biochar, better facilitating the development of green, low-carbon, and sustainable agriculture. Biochar shows significant potential in improving substrates and promoting crop growth, and it is necessary to standardize its production and application to prevent pollution risks, thereby contributing to green, low-carbon, and sustainable agricultural development.

Key words: biochar, cultivation substrate, growth and development, crop varieties, sustainable development