Impact of biochar produced from hardwood of mesquite on the hydraulic and physical properties of compacted soils for potential application in engineered structures

•Effect of biochar on the hydro-physical properties of compacted soils is presented.•The biochar made from the hardwood of mesquite is used in this study.•Biochar decreased specific gravity, dry density and plasticity index of the soils.•Impact of biochar on saturated hydraulic conductivity is found to be soil dependent.•Impact of biochar on infiltration rate is unique and independent of soil type considered.