Summary
This 2022 narrative review consolidates contemporary peer-reviewed literature on phytotoxic effects observed when hydrochars—carbonised biomass produced via hydrothermal carbonisation—are applied to agricultural soils. The authors examine suspected mechanisms of toxicity, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, incomplete carbonisation, and pH or nutrient imbalances, and synthesise evidence-based strategies for toxicity mitigation. The work aims to inform practitioners and researchers evaluating the agronomic safety and optimisation of hydrochar use in farming systems.
UK applicability
The review's findings on phytotoxicity mitigation strategies are directly applicable to UK agricultural practice, where interest in soil carbon amendments and circular-economy biomass utilisation is growing. UK farmers and advisors considering hydrochar adoption would benefit from the synthesis of toxicity risks and reduction approaches, though field validation under UK soil and climate conditions would be prudent before large-scale adoption.
Key measures
Phytotoxicity indicators; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations; pH and nutrient balance; plant growth responses to hydrochar amendment
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on phytotoxic effects observed when hydrochars are applied to agricultural soils, and evaluates evidence-based strategies to reduce or eliminate such toxicity. Suspected toxicity mechanisms examined include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, incomplete carbonisation, and pH or nutrient imbalances.
Topic tags
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