Biochar in the circular bionutrient economy

The spatiotemporal disconnect between nutrients derived from excreta and food waste on the one hand and nutrients required for crop production on the other has led to global environmental pollution, disproportionate energy demands, loss of nutrients, and therefore dwindling supplies of finite resources. By strategically managing organic residues, a circular bionutrient economy reduces health and environmental impacts [e.g., greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and eutrophication] while sustaining crop production. Here, we examine what role biochar can play in transforming nutrients from residues, specifically excreta, that pose an environmental burden into fertilizer products to grow crops.