Pedosphere (2): 416--429, 2026
ISSN 1002-0160/CN 32-1315/P
©2026 Soil Science Society of China
Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science Press
Biochar and phosphogypsum in agricultural soils: Individual roles, combined potentials, and future prospects
Yiwen WANG1, Man QI1, Changfu YANG2, Ruyu SUN1, Hanbing LI1, Yawen ZHAO1, Li WANG1
1 School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049 (China)
2 School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China)
ABSTRACT
      Soil degradation has become a pressing global issue, posing a significant threat to the soil environment, agricultural productivity, and food security. Factors such as nutrient depletion, erosion, and contamination have contributed to the declining health of soils worldwide. Biochar (BC) and phosphogypsum (PG) have shown great promise in improving soil fertility and quality, but their combined application and the full extent of their potential benefits and limitations remain underexplored and demand comprehensive attention. This review thoroughly assesses the individual applications of BC and PG as soil amendments, focusing on their respective physicochemical properties and their effects on soil structure, fertility, and plant growth. It also explores the synergistic effects of BC and PG when used in combination, emphasizing their potential to improve soil water retention, nutrient availability, and overall plant performance, thereby offering a promising solution for sustainable agriculture. Finally, the key considerations associated with the combined use of BC and PG, such as application rate, impact on soil health, and variability in soil types are addressed, while outlining future research directions to enhance their efficacy. In conclusion, the combined application of BC and PG contributes to impoved soil health and enhanced crop yields and promotes the integrated management of biomass waste and industrial byproducts such as PG, transforming agricultural and industrial waste streams into valuable resources, thus presenting a low-cost, environmentally sustainable approach to addressing soil degradation.
Key Words:  crop growth,heavy metal remediation,nutrient availability,potentially toxic element,soil amendment,sustainable agriculture,synergistic effect
Citation: Wang Y W, Qi M, Yang C F, Sun R Y, Li H B, Zhao Y W, Wang L. 2026. Biochar and phosphogypsum in agricultural soils: Individual roles, combined potentials, and future prospects. Pedosphere. 36(2): 416-429.
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