Biochar and Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Fungi to Improve Soil Organic Matter and Fertility

Abstract

Increasing feeding mouths are the vital element of increased food production and demand. The required resources (i.e. land, water and nutrients) to produce food are limited and decreasing with the passage of time. Moreover, intensive farming and poor soil management are depleting the soil organic matter and hence the maintenance of soil fertility status is a critical issue for the scientists. In brief, soil fertility and health are directly linked with farm profitability. In this scenario, the biochar (BC) and arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) have the tremendous ability to sustain soil fertility and productivity. In addition, the application of both BC and AMF not only increases the production per unit area but also improves soil health for future generations. Here we reviewed that biochar improved the soil porosity and stability, soil structure, soil aggregation, tensile strength, soil infiltration, soil penetration resistance, nutrient cycling, water holding capacity, and reduce the runoff and erosion. Moreover, BC is attracting global scientists to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture because it may help to decrease fertilizer requirements and reduce carbon emissions. The synergism effect of BC and AMF was noted. Reviewed literature indicated that combined application of BC and AMF resulted in significant increase in AMF spore number, microbial biomass, and soil enzyme activities both in the fertile and non-fertile soils. Moreover, they also promote growth, physiological petameters, root architecture and morphology.