Soil salinization poses a significant threat to grape cultivation worldwide, impacting plant growth, yield, and fruit quality. Traditional methods for managing saline-alkaline soils often have limitations and may not be environmentally sustainable. Li et al., in their research published in Environmental Technology & Innovation, investigated the potential of using extracellular polysaccharide (EPS)-producing salt-tolerant bacteria, specifically Bacillus subtilis B4 and Pseudomonas resinovorans B9, to improve grape growth in saline-alkaline soil. The study also explored the synergistic effects of combining these bacteria with biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More, a charcoal-like material known for its soil-enhancing properties.  

The researchers conducted both pot and field experiments to evaluate the effects of these treatments on grape growth, soil properties, and rhizosphere microbial communities. Their findings revealed that both B4 and B9 significantly promoted grape shoot growth, reduced soil salinity, and increased phosphorus and potassium levels in plants and soil. B9 exhibited better performance than B4, and its positive effects were further enhanced when combined with biochar.  

The application of biochar alone also showed beneficial effects on grape growth, likely due to its ability to improve soil water retention, aeration, and microbial activity. The combination of bacteria and biochar reshaped the rhizosphere microbial community, altered its functional abundances, and improved soil properties, ultimately promoting plant growth and enhancing salt-alkali tolerance.  

This study highlights the potential of utilizing EPS-producing salt-tolerant bacteria and biochar as a sustainable and effective approach to improve grapevine growth in saline-alkaline soils. The synergistic effects observed when combining these two treatments offer promising opportunities for enhancing grapevine resilience to salt stress and promoting sustainable agriculture in salt-affected regions.  

Source: Li, Y., Zhang, J., Wang, X., Feng, Z., Yang, E., Wu, M., Jiang, Y., Huang, J., Gao, Z., & Du, Y. (2025). The synergistic effect of extracellular polysaccharide-producing salt-tolerant bacteria and biochar promotes grape growth under saline-alkaline stress. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 38, 104070. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2025.104070