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Purpose <p>The role of biochar in soil health has been extensively researched, often focusing on biological indicators alone or in combination. However, the use of integrated tools that dynamically connect enzymes to soil organic carbon (SOC) remains limited. As waste recycling becomes increasingly essential for sustainable environmental management, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of sewage sludge biochar application on soil health.</p> Methods <p>This study utilized integrative methodologies involving the four-quadrant model (4QM) approach and the soil bioanalysis (SoilBio) technology in a seven-year field study. At the end of the seventh maize crop, soil samples were collected from the 0–10&#xa0;cm layer. The enzymatic activities of β-glucosidase (GLU) and arylsulfatase (ARYL), SOC, and chemical properties of the soil were determined. The 4QM and the soil quality index (SQI<sub>FERTBIO</sub>) were estimated based on chemical and biological properties.</p> Results <p>Results showed that the combined application of biochar and mineral fertilization (NPK) significantly increased GLU activity and SOC content, whereas ARYL activity was less responsive. The SQI<sub>FERTBIO</sub> and related soil functions (nutrient cycling and storage) improved under biochar treatments. In the 4QM framework, only GLU activity distinguished soil health states, effectively separating biochar-amended soils from the control and NPK treatments. Cumulative maize yield over seven years was higher with biochar + NPK than the control, but similar to NPK alone.</p> Conclusion <p>These findings highlight the long-term legacy effects of biochar on soil biological health and productivity. Integrative assessment tools, such as 4QM and SQI<sub>FERTBIO</sub>, proved effective in capturing these improvements and provide a practical framework for soil health monitoring.</p>

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Benefits of sewage sludge biochar for soil health: evidence from a seven-year field study in tropical soil using comprehensive approaches

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月15日

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  • José Ferreira Lustosa Filho,
  • Cícero Célio de Figueiredo,
  • Ieda de Carvalho Mendes

摘要

Purpose

The role of biochar in soil health has been extensively researched, often focusing on biological indicators alone or in combination. However, the use of integrated tools that dynamically connect enzymes to soil organic carbon (SOC) remains limited. As waste recycling becomes increasingly essential for sustainable environmental management, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of sewage sludge biochar application on soil health.

Methods

This study utilized integrative methodologies involving the four-quadrant model (4QM) approach and the soil bioanalysis (SoilBio) technology in a seven-year field study. At the end of the seventh maize crop, soil samples were collected from the 0–10 cm layer. The enzymatic activities of β-glucosidase (GLU) and arylsulfatase (ARYL), SOC, and chemical properties of the soil were determined. The 4QM and the soil quality index (SQIFERTBIO) were estimated based on chemical and biological properties.

Results

Results showed that the combined application of biochar and mineral fertilization (NPK) significantly increased GLU activity and SOC content, whereas ARYL activity was less responsive. The SQIFERTBIO and related soil functions (nutrient cycling and storage) improved under biochar treatments. In the 4QM framework, only GLU activity distinguished soil health states, effectively separating biochar-amended soils from the control and NPK treatments. Cumulative maize yield over seven years was higher with biochar + NPK than the control, but similar to NPK alone.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the long-term legacy effects of biochar on soil biological health and productivity. Integrative assessment tools, such as 4QM and SQIFERTBIO, proved effective in capturing these improvements and provide a practical framework for soil health monitoring.