Effects of Biochar and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria on Plant Performance and Soil Environmental Stability

Han Ren (), Zilu Li, Hualin Chen, Jiangmin Zhou and Chengqun Lv
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Han Ren: College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Zilu Li: College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Hualin Chen: College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Jiangmin Zhou: College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Chengqun Lv: Forestry College, Guangxi University, Daxue E Rd., Xixiangtang District, Nanning 530004, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 17, 1-15

Abstract: (1) Background: Biochar and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are widely used as amendments to increase the availability of nutrients and the diversity of the bacterial community within soil. (2) Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of biochar and PGPR amendments on plant performance, soil physicochemical property, and soil microbial diversity, as well as their relationship in a Eucalyptus (clone DH32−29) plantation in Guangxi, China. We determined the microbial AWCD , Simpson, Shannon, and McIntosh indices, and soil inorganic nitrogen (NH 4 + , NO 3 − ), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), total nitrogen (TN), and plant growth and nutrient concentrations; (3) Results: Biochar-only had a significant impact on soil microbial community function, although the effects on plant performance were limited. PGPR plus biochar was found to significantly increase the diversity indices of soil microbes, as well as soil TK and TP. Besides, soil microbes displayed a preference for carbohydrates rather than other carbon sources. (4) Conclusion: Soil microbial functional diversity responded to changes in plant performance and, therefore, it could indicate soil ecological stability and ecosystem productivity. These findings may suggest that biochar and PGPR could potentially maintain ecological sustainability in the soil and improve plant performance through altering soil physicochemical properties in a eucalyptus plantation.

Keywords: rhizobacteria; eucalyptus; microbial diversity; carbon use; Bacillus megaterium; plant growth (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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