Do bagasse biochar and microbial inoculants positively affect barley grain yield and nutrients, and microbial activity?

Biochar as a soil amendment, increases soil fertility and better agricultural production. In addition, the utilization of microbial bio-fertilizers improves soil health and reduces the necessity of excessive chemical fertilizer application. In this regard, the present research was conducted to evaluate the effect of bio-inoculants and bagasse biochar on root colonization, grain nutrients uptake, growth, and yield of barley, and biological activities in a calcareous soil. An experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement on a completely randomized design with three replications in a greenhouse condition for seven months. The treatments consisted of six bio-fertilizer levels including control, Rhizophagus intraradices, Funneliformis mosseae, Micrococcus yunnanensis, Rhizophagus intraradices + Micrococcus yunnanensis, Funneliformis mosseae + Micrococcus yunnanensis, and three bagasse biochar levels of 0, 1%, and 2% w/w. The application of 2% biochar significantly increased root colonization (32.3%), grain nutrients uptake of N, P, Zn and Cu (10%, 10%, 10%, and 4.3%, respectively), biological yield (5.08%), soil microbial respiration (SMR) (11.3%), and microbial biomass C (MBS) (12.7%) compared to that of B-0. Individual application of bio-inoculants and their combination with biochar increased root colonization, grain nutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, P, and N) uptake, biological and grain yield, 1000-kernel weight, SMR, and MBS. Application of plant growth promoting microorganisms and bagasse biochar simultaneously makes positive effects on barley and microbial activities, which is a promising strategy.

Automated summary

The utilization of biochar and microbial bio-fertilizers has shown significant improvements in barley yield, root colonization, grain nutrient uptake, soil microbial respiration, and microbial biomass in calcareous soil. Application of plant growth promoting microorganisms and bagasse biochar simultaneously has positive effects on both barley production and microbial activities, serving as a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture.