Biochar and Bentonite in Sandy Soil Health Improve Crop Yields by 37%
A two-year study conducted in China’s arid Horqin Sandy Land revealed promising results for improving soil quality and agricultural productivity using biochar and bentonite. Aeolian sandy soils, known for their poor water retention and low fertility, were amended with combinations of these materials to test their effects on soil properties and crop growth.
The results were compelling. Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from biomass, and bentonite, a clay mineral, improved water retention, increased nutrient availability, and enhanced soil structure. Key benefits included a 36.6% increase in corn yield and a 150.4% rise in cation exchange capacity (CEC), a measure of soil fertility. Soil microbial activity also flourished, with microbial carbon content more than doubling in the second year of application.
Furthermore, the study highlighted the climate benefits of biochar. The application of biochar sequestered carbon in the soil and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, offsetting up to 100 million tons of CO₂ annually. This makes it a potent tool for sustainable agriculture and carbon neutrality goals.