A perspective on the interaction between biochar and soil microbes: A way to regain soil eminence

Environ Res. 2022 Nov;214(Pt 2):113832. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113832. Epub 2022 Jul 8.

Abstract

Soil ecosystem imparts a fundamental role in the growth and survival of the living creatures. The interaction between living and non-living constituents of the environment is important for the regulation of life in the ecosystem. Biochar is a carbon rich product present in the soil that is responsible for various applications in diversified fields. In this review, we focused on the collaboration between the soil, biochar and microbial community present in the soil and consequences of it in the ecosystem. Herein, it primarily discusses on the different approaches of the production and characterization of biochar. Furthermore, this review also discusses about the optimistic interaction of biochar with soil microbes and their role in plant growth. Eventually, it reveals the various physio-chemical properties of biochar, including its specific surface area, porous nature, ion exchange capacity, and pH, which aid in the modification of the soil environment. Furthermore, it elaborately discloses the impact of the biochar addition in the soil focusing mainly on its interaction with microbial communities such as bacteria and fungi. The physicochemical properties of biochar significantly interact with microbes and improve the beneficial microbes growth and increase soil nutrients, which resulting reasonable plant growth. The main focus remains on the role of biochar-soil microbiota in remediation of pollutants, soil amendment and inhibition of pathogenicity among plants by promoting resistance potential. It highlights the fact that adding biochar to soil modulates the soil microbial community by increasing soil fertility, paving the way for its use in farming, and pollutant removal.

Keywords: Biochar; Disease resistant plants; Pollutant remediation; Soil amendment; Soil microbiota.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Charcoal / chemistry
  • Microbiota*
  • Soil / chemistry
  • Soil Microbiology
  • Soil Pollutants* / analysis

Substances

  • Soil
  • Soil Pollutants
  • biochar
  • Charcoal