Biochar aging, soil microbiota and chemistry of charcoal kilns in Mediterranean forests

Abstract

•	Kiln soils did not exhibit higher pH, cation exchange capacity, or greater richness in cations.
•	Charcoal in forest kilns underwent significant oxidation with increased O/C ratio and presence of oxygenated functional groups.
•	Charcoal surface showed different enrichment of Ca, Al, and Si influenced by the parent rock.
•	Kiln microbiota exhibited a positive influence on plant growth, hinting at ecological benefits.

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