Integrated use of biochar and lime as a tool to improve maize yield and mitigate CO2 emission: A review

Abstract

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing agronomic productivity by sustaining soil organic matter and refining soil fertility have become the main concerns for agricultural scientists. There is a new approach to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, soil C sinks, and improve soil quality using biochar. Soil acidification is improved by applying lime or other acid-neutralizing materials. Additionally, Ca and Mg can increase by applying lime. The availability of Ca, Mg, and K in the soil is significantly affected by the application rate of biochar spread separately or combined with chemical fertilizers. Soil nutrients and maize (Zea mays L.) yield are highly influenced by the use of lime and biochar. Biochar can improve the ecosystem by reducing soil CO₂ emissions from agricultural practices. The inconsistent results and clarifications from various studies highlight the importance of relating the impact of different biochar rates on CO₂ emissions and maize yield. This review summarizes the properties of biochar, provides the scientific reference for its application to achieve high and good quality maize and reduce CO₂ emissions.