Doctoral research on short- and long-term effects of biochar and other soil amendment materials on soil biota

Our research examined how biochars and recycled organic fertilizers affect agricultural soil health and functionality. Biochars, carbon-rich materials produced through the heating of organic matter—show promise for carbon sequestration while enhancing soil fertility. Sustainable alternatives to mineral fertilizers, including composts, digested sludges, and vermicompost, offer environmental benefits, yet their interactions with biochar and impacts on soil ecosystems remain inadequately explored. Our research focused on long-term field experiments in Finland in order to examine how these amendments affect greenhouse gas emissions, soil carbon, microbes, and earthworms. These soil organisms are essential for nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and the overall resilience of agroecosystems. Our results are still in the process of being published, but preliminary results show that biochars and organic fertilizers can shift microbial community composition and alter greenhouse gas fluxes. By combining ecological and agronomic perspectives, this project provides new knowledge on the potential of biochars and recycled fertilizers to contribute to climate-friendly farming. This research supports the sustainable use of recycled resources in agriculture and offers insights into how farming systems can adapt to environmental challenges while reducing their climate footprint.