A critical review of biochar-based nitrogen fertilizers and their effects on crop production and the environment

Abstract Globally, nitrogen (N) fertilizer demand is expected to reach 112 million tonnes support food production for about 8 billion people. However, more than half of the N lost environment with impacts on air, water and soil quality, biodiversity. Importantly, loss contributes greenhouse gas emissions climate change. Nevertheless, where application limited, severe depletion fertility has become a major constraint sustainable agriculture. To address issues low use efficiency (NUE), biochar-based fertilizers (BBNFs) have been developed reduce off-site maximize crop uptake. These products are generally made through physical mixing biochar or via coating chemical such as prilled urea biochar. This review aims describe manufacturing processes BBNFs, critically assess effects properties, yield pathways. Graphical