Biochar as a green solution to drive the soil carbon pump

Biochar is a nature-based green solution to lift soil carbon storage and mitigate carbon release. Here, we propose a novel concept of biochar carbon pump (BCP) that bridges microbial carbon pump (MCP) and mineral carbon pump (MnCP), facilitating effective carbon sequestration. The BCP functions to promote carbon storage by introducing biochar-derived persistent C into soil, enhancing negative priming effects, altering soil microbial communities, and reinforcing organo-organic and organo-mineral interactions. Recognizing the value of BCP in bridging MCP and MnCP to facilitate diverse natural reactions for soil carbon sequestration is particularly significant in addressing climate change. • A novel concept of biochar carbon pump (BCP) is introduced. • BCP can boost soil organic carbon storage by bridging MCP and MnCP. • BCP introduces biochar C and enhances negative priming effects to promote C stock. • BCP alters microbial function and organo-mineral interaction to enhance MCP and MnCP.