Biochar — An effective additive for improving quality and reducing ecological risk of compost: A global meta-analysis

Biochar is considered as a promising additive with multi-benefits to compost production. However, how the biochar properties and composting conditions affect the composting process and quality and ecological risk of compost is still unclear. In the present study, we conducted a global meta-analysis based on 876 observations from 84 studies. Overall, regardless of biochar properties and composting conditions, biochar addition could significantly increase the pH (5.90%), germination index (26.6%), contents of nitrate nitrogen (56.6%), total nitrogen (9.50%), and total potassium (10.1%), and degree of polymerization (29.4%) while decrease the electrical conductivity (−5.70%), contents of ammonium nitrogen (−33.7%), bioavailable zinc (−22.9%), and bioavailable copper (−38.6%), and emissions of ammonia (−44.2%), nitrous oxide (−68.4%), and methane (−61.7%). Other compost indicators, including the carbon to nitrogen ratio and total phosphorus content, were found to be insignificantly affected by biochar addition. The responses of tested compost indicators affected by the biochar properties and composting conditions were further explored, based on which the addition of straw biochars at a rate of 10–15% was recommended due to its greater potential to improve quality of compost and reduce its ecological risk. Combining the results of linear regression analysis and structural equation model, the increase in compost pH caused by biochar addition was identified as the key mechanism for the increased nutrient content and decreased heavy metal bioavailability. These results could guide us to choose suitable kinds of biochar or develop engineered biochars with specific functionality to realize an optimal compost production mode. [Display omitted] •Biochar can effectively improve quality and reduce ecological risks of compost.•pH is a key indicator determining quality and ecological risks of compost.•Increase in compost pH is a key mechanism for the decreased HM ecological risk.•Application of straw biochar with an addition rate of 10–15% is highly recommended.