Synergisms between Compost and Biochar for Sustainable Soil Amelioration

Driven by climate change and population growth, increasing human pressure on land forces conversion of natural landscapes to agricultural fields and pastures while simultaneously depleting land currently under agricultural use (Lal, 2009). Consequently, a vicious circle develops; further aggravating climate change, soil degradation, erosion, loss of soil organic matter (SOM) and leaching of nutrients. Therefore, sustainable concepts for increased food production are urgently needed to lower pressure on soils, in order to reduce or prevent the negative environmental impacts of intensive agriculture. A key for such strategies is the maintenance or increase of SOM level inducing positive ecosystem services such as increased productivity, nutrient and water storage, intact filter capacity, rooting, aeration and habitat for soil organism etc. (Fig. 1). In summary, SOM improves soil fertility and C storage (C Sequestration).