Machine Learning Integrated with a Causal Pathway Framework Unravels Differential Mechanisms of Biochar-Driven Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics under Cadmium Stress
Abstract
Biochar-mediated soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils are governed by complex interactions among biochar properties, soil characteristics, and environmental factors. However, the key drivers and causal mechanisms remain unclear, hindering the design of biochar strategies for carbon sequestration. This study integrated machine learning (ML) and partial least-squares path modeling (PLS–PM) to establish an interpretable causal framework. Using a global data set, a high-precision random forest model quantified the primary drivers. Soil properties dominated the predictions (60.27%), with phosphorus (P) (optimal level:
Fields of Study & Subjects
Heavy metals in environment
Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
Soil Geostatistics and Mapping
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Environmental Science & Technology
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 60
- Issue
- 12
- Pages
- 9199–9212
- Publication date
- 20 January 2026
- Language
- EN