Biochar, strategia per la gestione sostenibile degli ecosistemi frutticoli ?

Biochar is a highly heterogeneous product derived from pyrolysis of biomass, and is considered to be a stable form of carbon, highly recalcitrant. Recently, the use of biochar has been indicated as a valuable strategy for long-term C sequestration in soil, contributing to reduce greenhouses gases (GHGs) emissions into the atmosphere. This potential is attracting research as well as political interests. Biochar is a highly heterogeneous product that, when applied to the soils, may affect agronomic responses. The application of biochar in agricultural land is reported to improve soil structure, nutrient use efficiency and water retention, reduce CH4 and N2O emissions, and increase soil microbial colonization and diversity. Therefore, most of the published evidences have been obtained on annual plants growing in tropical and subtropical environments, characterized by acidic soils. Results of the impact of soil-applied biochar on perennial plants growing in the Mediterranean basin are limited; hence long-term investigations are desirable before this approach can be widely adopted by growers.