EFFECTS OF BIOCHAR ON MICROBIAL COMMUNITY DIVERSITY IN RHIZOSPHERE SOIL OF FARMLANDS IN NORTHEAST CHINA

The present study sought to study the effects of biochar application on the functional diversity of rhizosphere soil in the black and saline-alkaline rhizosphere soil. The results showed that biochar application to the black and saline-alkali soil could increase physical properties and enzymatic activity in the soil of northeast China. Biochar affected the bacterial community composition in the black and saline alkali soil, of which Proteus, Bacteroides, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacteria. Additionally, biochar inhibited the relative abundance of some bacteria. The relative abundance of Archaea and plant pathogenic functional bacteria and microorganisms affected the abundance of functional genes related to nitrification and the growth of various beneficial microorganisms, effectively inhibiting plant diseases. The canonical correspondence analysis results showed that saline alkaline soil and carbon application conditions were related to available phosphorus indicating a significant correlation between available phosphorus and the soil pH environmental factors. These results confirmed that the change in soil characteristics might indirectly affect the influence of biochar application. Overall, biochar is beneficial to relative abundance of the rhizosphere soil nutrient retention in the root system of black and saline-alkali soil of farmlands in northern China and could increase the growth-promoting bacterial community.

Automated summary

The present study found that biochar application can enhance the physical properties and enzymatic activity of black and saline-alkaline soil, affect the bacterial community composition, and inhibit the relative abundance of some bacteria. It also inhibits plant pathogenic microorganisms and promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms.