The Effects of Biochar on Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Fungi from Agroenvironments

Abstract

The effects of biochar on soil–plant–microorganisms systems are currently being extensively investigated. Considering that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an essential role in nutrient dynamics, the present study aims at understanding vine shoot-derived biochar effects on AMF activity and the impact of their multiplication in soils on water-stress resistance of plants. Three agronomic tests were performed in greenhouse pots. The first experiment evaluated the effects of three factors: final pyrolysis temperature for biochar production (400 °C and 600 °C), application rate (0 weight-wt.- % as a control, 1.5 wt. %, and 3.0 wt. %) and texture of the growing media (sandy-loam and clay-loam origin) on AMF, microbial communities and phosphatase activity. In the second experiment, an indigenous consortium of AMF was multiplied through the solid substrate method and sorghum as a trap plant with biochar addition. This process was compared to a control treatment without biochar. Obtained inocula were tested in a third experiment with lettuce plants under different water irrigation conditions. Results from the first experiment showed a general increase in AMF activity with the addition of the biochar produced at 400 °C in the sandy-loam texture substrate. Results of the second experiment showed that the biochar addition increased AMF root colonization, the number of AMF spores and AMF infective potential. Results of the third experiment showed that biochar-derived AMF inoculum increased AMF root colonization, AMF spores, dry biomass and the SPAD index in a lettuce crop under low-water irrigation conditions.

Influence of Feedstock and Final Pyrolysis Temperature on Breaking Strength and Dust Production of Wood-Derived Biochars

“…However, in order to determine the most appropriate biochar particle size it should also be considered aspects related to production, handling, and application systems, as well as ignition hazards and dust production issues. In this sense, the relatively large particle sizes tested in the present study was previously studied, and several benefits derived from its application were reported [46,61]. Considering the results obtained, the potential benefits of moistening biochar prior to the application depend on the final purpose and the type of biochar.…”

Soil biological quality in rhizosphere, growth, and yield of upland rice grown on acid soil after amended biochar enriched sap of Kappaphycus alvarezii

“…The environmental conditions of the rhizosphere soil changed the total abundance of AMF and flagellate spores. Depending on the soil conditions, this phenomenon may either positively or negatively impact the presence of indigenous AMF spores (Panahi et al 2020;Videgain-Marco et al 2021). The positive effect of biochar-amended soil on total AMF spores often occurs in soils experiencing abiotic stress (Jabborova et al 2021), while the negative impact on the form of a decrease in total AMF spores often occurs due to improvements in soil pH, P availability, and water availability (Liu et al 2019;.…”