Deciphering the Soil‐Plant Responses to Salinization: Biochar as an Effective Remedy‐Exploring Its Properties and Mitigation Role

ABSTRACT Salinized lands pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity, particularly in arid and semi‐arid regions having higher salt accumulation that hinders plant growth. Several organic and inorganic amendments could reclaim these lands, and choosing a suitable ameliorant depends on specific agro‐ecological characteristics and soil physico‐chemical properties. Among these strategies, incorporating biochar has been found to be an eco‐friendly approach to mitigate soil salinity. Biochar production is undertaken by pyrolyzing the biomass within a temperature range of 350°C to 700°C. It exhibits a highly porous structure with enlarged surface area, high cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, and carbon (C) content. Additionally, it contains a variety of surface functional groups, along with macro‐ and micro‐nutrients. Biochar application renders positive impacts on physico‐chemical and bio‐organic characteristics of salt‐affected lands by enhancing CEC and promoting Ca 2+ (calcium) and Mg 2+ (magnesium) enrichment, which facilitates the displacement of sodium (Na + ) ions from exchange sites. Meanwhile, it forms biochar‐organic matter‐mineral complexes, which provide a suitable environment for microorganisms to carry out nutrient cycling and ultimately benefit plant growth. However, these beneficial impacts can vary with feedstock type, pyrolysis conditions, and soil salinity level. Additionally, the high production cost of biochar and limited information on its long‐term effects in salt‐affected soils constrain its widespread adoption. Thus, this review synthesizes studies from 2014 to 2025, which explored the delineating mechanisms through which biochar improves soil physicochemical and biological properties, thereby enhancing plant performance under salt‐affected soils. Meanwhile, it highlights persisting gaps in understanding its long‐term stability and soil‐microbe interactions under diverse salinity conditions. Hence, it provides deep insights into sustainable land management to support food security and climate resilience.