Meng, et al (2024) rbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Interacted 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 and Enhanced Phosphate-Solubilizing Microorganism Abundance and Phosphorus Uptake in Maize. Agronomy. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081678

Phosphorus (P) is vital for plant growth, yet its availability in soil is often limited, necessitating innovative solutions to enhance P uptake and crop yield. A recent study explored the synergistic effects of biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungiThese are friendly fungi that form a partnership with plant roots. They act like an extension of the root system, helping plants access water and nutrients more effectively. Biochar can create a cozy habitat for these helpful fungi, boosting their growth and improving plant health.   More (AMF) on maize growth and phosphorus uptake. The study found that combining biochar and AMF significantly increased maize biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More and P uptake, particularly in low-P soils, suggesting a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture.

The experiment involved growing maize (Zea mays L. Xianyu-335) in pots with different treatments: no P fertilizer, AMF, or biochar (control), AMF alone, biochar alone, and a combination of AMF and biochar, under two P application rates (0 mg and 30 mg P2O5 per kg soil). The results showed that the combination of AMF and biochar significantly boosted mycorrhizal colonization of maize roots, regardless of the P level applied.

The study measured various parameters, including maize biomass and P uptake. The combination of AMF and biochar resulted in a 67% increase in P uptake in the low-P treatment compared to the sum of their individual effects. In the high-P treatment, the increase was 35%, indicating a more substantial interactive effect under low-P conditions. Additionally, the combined treatment significantly enhanced the abundance of phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) such as Streptomyces, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas, which play a crucial role in mobilizing insoluble P in the soil.

The metagenomic analysis revealed that biochar and AMF together increased the abundance of genes related to P cycling, such as gcd, phoD, and ugpQ, by 1.5 to 1.8 times compared to other treatments. These genes are associated with inorganic P solubilization, organic P mineralization, and P transport, respectively. The abundance of these genes was positively correlated with P uptake in maize, suggesting that the combined treatment effectively mobilized P in the soil, making it more available for plant uptake.

Biochar, a porous material produced through pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More of organic matter, improves soil properties by enhancing nutrient availability and providing habitats for microorganisms. AMF, on the other hand, extends the root system through hyphae, enabling plants to access nutrients beyond the root zone and facilitating the release of organic acids and phosphatases that solubilize bound P in the soil.

The study concluded that the combination of biochar and AMF significantly improves P uptake and maize biomass by enhancing mycorrhizal colonization and PSM abundance, particularly in low-P soils. This synergistic interaction offers a sustainable approach to reducing the need for P fertilizers, mitigating environmental pollution, and enhancing crop productivity.

Future research should focus on long-term studies across different P fertilization levels and environmental conditions to validate these findings and optimize their application in agricultural practices. By integrating biochar and AMF into farming systems, it is possible to enhance soil health, improve nutrient efficiency, and support sustainable agriculture.