This volume explores biochar as a transformative tool in modern agriculture, particularly in enhancing soil health and increasing crop productivity. It discusses the concepts of soil health and methodologies for its assessment, with a focused discussion on how biochar can improve soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. It further explores the mechanisms through which biochar improves microbial diversity, nutrient cycling, and soil structure, ultimately contributing to higher crop yields and resilient agroecosystems. Specific chapters analyze the global food production landscape and identify the gaps and challenges that biochar can help address, particularly in degraded and arid environments. The role of biochar in mitigating drought stress, enhancing hydrological functions, and contributing to climate change mitigation is examined in depth. Additionally, crop-specific chapters present evidence-based findings on how biochar influences the yields of cereals, pulses, vegetables, and fruit crops, offering practical insights for targeted applications.

Designed for advanced researchers, agronomists, soil scientists, and environmental professionals, the book brings together global expertise to examine how biochar interventions are reshaping food systems under growing environmental and climatic pressures.

Dr. Owais Ali Wani is presently working as a young scientist at SKUAST Kashmir, India. He is also the founder and CEO of Cashmir Carbozone Pvt Ltd. He has done bachelor’s in agriculture from SKUAST-Kashmir and master’s in soil science from SKUAST–Jammu and PhD in soil science from SKUAST-Kashmir. His research interests include biochar production, soil health, GIS, pedometrics, predictive modelling, landuse dynamics, machine learning AI, and IOT. He has also worked on sustainable residue management strategies including biochar, pyrolysis, carbon sequestration soil erosion, and climate change. He has also published in various high-impact journal and is an editor and academic reviewer of various journals. He is NAAS Young scientist and BRICS Young Scientist.

Dr. Munir Ahmad is currently working in Soil Science Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He is also serving as a scientist in Saudi Biochar Research Group (SBRG). His research focuses on engineering/designing and fabricating biochar-based low-cost sorbents for soil and water remediation. He has been involved in synthesizing biochar-based nanocomposites for soil rehabilitation and carbon sequestration. His research interests include biochar production and applications, sustainable waste management, soil and water pollution remediation, climate change mitigation, and developing strategies for rehabilitating degraded lands and enhancing crop productivity. Dr. Munir has published more than 65 research documents, including peer-reviewed international research articles, review articles, and book chapters.

Dr. Mohammad I. Al-Wabel received his PhD in soil chemistry from Colorado State University, Fort Collins USA in 2001. He is serving as a professor of environmental soil chemistry at the Department of Soil Sciences, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (KSU). Prof. Al-Wabel is the founder and leader of the Saudi Biochar Research Group (SBRG), which is the pioneer biochar research group in Saudi Arabia. His area of research interests includes production and application of biochar-based low-cost adsorbents, remediation of contaminated soil and water, carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation, environment friendly utilization of waste resources, and revitalization of abandoned soils. Dr. Al-Wabel has published more than 180 research articles in peer-reviewed national and international journals, and more than 8 book chapters in various books.