Summary
This 2025 narrative review synthesises peer-reviewed evidence on the effects of soil amendments—including organic residues, biochar, and compost—on carbon sequestration and soil health responses in agricultural systems. The authors examine mechanistic pathways through which amendments enhance soil carbon storage and modify soil structure, chemistry and biological function. The work contributes to understanding amendment-based climate mitigation strategies whilst identifying concurrent soil improvement outcomes.
UK applicability
UK farmers and soil managers may find the review applicable to temperate agricultural conditions, particularly regarding biochar and compost use in improving both carbon storage and soil structure. However, direct translatability will depend on the geographic and climatic diversity of studies included in the review; regional validation studies would strengthen UK-specific guidance.
Key measures
Carbon sequestration rates, soil organic carbon, soil structure, soil chemistry, soil biological activity, amendment type and dosage effects
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on how soil amendments (organic residues, biochar, compost) affect carbon sequestration rates and concurrent changes in soil structure, chemistry, and biological function. It examines mechanistic pathways linking amendment type and application to soil carbon storage and broader soil health indicators.
Topic tags
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