Some Effects of Biochar on Soil Microorganisms

Using biochar as a soil amendment is suggested to be a win/win technology for enhancing physical and chemical soil properties, yet little is known about the effects of biochar on soil microorganisms. This review underscores twofold of soil microbiological features studied in short-term experiments. 1) microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), and basal soil respiration (BSR). 2) β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase, and urease enzymes activities under different doses and types of biochar and soil. MBC, MBN, BSR β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase, and urease and enzymes activities responded to biochar application depending on biochar dose, type, inorganic fertilizer application, soil type and cultivated plant. MBC, MBN, and BSR increased linearly after gradual amendments of cotton straw biochar while just low doses were effective for raising β-glucosidase, and dehydrogenase activities. Only high doses of wheat and corn straw biochar were effective to increase MBC while linear increments were witnessed under swine manure biochar. Across all biochar types, MBN showed an upward trend with increasing biochar rates hitting the heyday at the highest doses. On the other side, wheat straw and apple branch biochar caused gradual increments in β-glucosidase and urease activity with NPK (nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium) amendment after 72 months.