Biochar-driven modulation of PGPR communities and their impact on tomato crop productivity for a sustainable agronomic development

Biochar is a charcoal-like organic product formed by pyrolysis, which acts as a soil amendment that boosts fertility and supports PGPR colonization. This study involves the production of garden-waste-derived biochar that enhances soil fertility and supports PGPR in tomato rhizospheres. Preliminary biochemical assays were performed to identify the strains and were authenticated with 16S rRNA sequencing studies. Two key strains, Burkholderia cepacia and Bacillus tropicus, were found in both treated and untreated soils. The physiological growth parameters of plant trials validate the fertility of enriched biochar and establish it as a potential bio-fertilizer source to improve crop health.