Soil–Plant Interactions Mediated by Aquatic Weed Biochar

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems across the world are under threat from numerous invasive species and especially aggressive types of aquatic weeds. The use of aquatic weed biochar has many benefits. Biochar derived from aquatic weeds can enhance soil structure, increase the diversity of soil microbial community, and promote plant growth. This review presents the development of aquatic weed biochars and their physiochemical properties. The article also discusses how aquatic weed biochar improves soil physical structure and aggregation, enhances the diversity and functionality of soil microbial communities, and increases plant growth, and productivity. Moreover, it considers the mechanism of biochar–soil–plant interaction, environmental benefits, limitations, and the need for further research. In addition, aquatic weed biochar contributes to carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from soils. Its application provides a sustainable method for managing invasive aquatic weeds, which otherwise threaten freshwater biodiversity. Its use offers a sustainable way of controlling invasive aquatic weeds which otherwise pose a threat to freshwater biodiversity. Recent research has shown that biochar made of aquatic weeds enhances nutrient retention, soil erosion and water-holding capacity, which is especially useful in degraded or nutrient-deficient soils. The application of aquatic weed biochar to agricultural and environmental activities is consistent with the principles of the circular bioeconomy because the waste biomass is transformed into a sustainable amendment of the soil. Biochars made of aquatic weeds have enormous potential in sustainable and circular bioeconomy applications and soil management.