Economic valuation of ecosystem services from biochar-mediated soil erosion control for carbon-neutral land management
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: This study develops a framework to quantify the ecosystem service value of biochar-mediated soil erosion control, linking reductions in soil loss and runoff to climate regulation, agricultural productivity, and water system benefits. Soil erosion is a major driver of land degradation, with global losses exceeding billions of tonnes annually and affecting approximately 24% of European land. Meta-analytical evidence indicates that biochar application reduces soil erosion by 16% and surface runoff by 25% on average, with stronger effects observed in erosion-prone environments. Building on this evidence, this study develops a valuation framework that translates avoided soil loss into ecosystem service benefits across three systems. Scenario-based analysis shows that the total economic value of biochar-mediated erosion control ranges from €20 to €300 ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, depending on environmental conditions and economic parameters. The climate system contributes €10–150 ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ through the preservation of soil organic carbon, while the food system contributes €5–100 ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ via avoided productivity losses, and the water system contributes €5–50 ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ through reduced sediment-related impacts. Evidence from Mediterranean systems demonstrates substantially stronger responses, with erosion reductions reaching up to 65–67% and significant increases in soil water retention and vegetation cover, indicating that ecosystem service values may exceed global averages under high erosion pressure. These findings highlight the role of biochar as a multifunctional land management strategy that supports climate mitigation, agricultural resilience, and water quality. The results provide a basis for integrating soil erosion control into carbon removal, natural capital, and carbon-neutral land management frameworks, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change and land degradation.
Source: Research Square
Author: Behrouz Gholamahmadi
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
Award: G4471907717
OpenAlex ID: W7213778281