The influence of biochar soil amendment on tree growth and soil quality: a review for the arboricultural industry

Schaffert, E., Lukac, M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8535-6334, Percival, G. and Rose, G. (2022) The influence of biochar soil amendment on tree growth and soil quality: a review for the arboricultural industry. Arboriculture & Urban Forestry, 48 (3). pp. 176-202. ISSN 19355297 doi: 10.48044/jauf.2022.014

Abstract/Summary

Studies assessing the effects of biochar used as a soil amendment in agriculture and forestry have indicated variable results, from significant improvements in growth and health to no effect at all. Research into biochar use for trees within the urban landscape are extremely limited. This review is aimed at arboricultural practitioners and professionals involved in urban tree landscape management and provides a critical analysis of the use of biochar to support tree health and establishment. Biochar, specifically wood biomass-based biochar, has the potential to enhance tree establishment and survival. However, considerable variability in the physical and chemical properties of biochar currently limits universal application. Therefore, practitioners should aim to use biochar types suitable for the desired function, such as transplant establishment, remediation of declining mature trees, and pest/disease management. Biochar also represents a promising complementary amendment to more established soil management techniques such as mulching and fertilization, but further long-term studies in a range of conditions typical of urban environments are required to fully understand the effects of specific biochar types on urban trees.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/101868
Identification Number/DOI	10.48044/jauf.2022.014
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of Sustainable Land Management > Centre for Agri-environmental Research (CAER)
Publisher	International Society of Arboriculture
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