Association of biochar properties with changes in soil bacterial, fungal and fauna communities and nutrient cycling processes

Zhongmin Dai, Xinquan Xiong, Hang Zhu, Haojie Xu, Peng Leng, Jihui Li, C. Tang, Jianming Xu

Biochar ›› 2021, Vol. 3 ›› Issue (3) : 239-254.

Biochar ›› 2021, Vol. 3 ›› Issue (3) : 239-254. DOI: 10.1007/s42773-021-00099-x
Review

Association of biochar properties with changes in soil bacterial, fungal and fauna communities and nutrient cycling processes

Author information +
History +

Abstract

Soil microorganisms play crucial roles in soil nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, fertility maintenance and crop health and production. To date, the responses of microorganisms, such as microbial activity, diversity, community structure and nutrient cycling processes, to biochar addition have been widely reported. However, the relationships between soil microbial groups (bacteria, fungi and microscopic fauna) and biochar physicochemical properties have not been summarized. In this review, we conclude that biochar affects soil microbial growth, diversity and community compositions by directly providing growth promoters for soil biota or indirectly changing soil basic properties. The porous structure, labile C, high pH and electrochemical properties of biochar play an important role in determining soil microbial abundance and communities, and their mediated N and P cycling processes, while the effects and underlying mechanisms vary with biochar types that are affected by pyrolysis temperature and feedstock type. Finally, we highlight some issues related to research methodology and subjects that are still poorly understood or controversial, and the perspectives for further research in microbial responses to biochar addition.

Cite this article

Download citation ▾
Zhongmin Dai, Xinquan Xiong, Hang Zhu, Haojie Xu, Peng Leng, Jihui Li, C. Tang, Jianming Xu. Association of biochar properties with changes in soil bacterial, fungal and fauna communities and nutrient cycling processes. Biochar, 2021, 3(3): 239‒254 https://doi.org/10.1007/s42773-021-00099-x
Funding
National Science Foundation of China(41807033); Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CAST(2018QNRC001); Serving Local Economic Development Project of Shandong (Linyi) Institute of Modern Agriculture, Zhejiang University(ZDNY-2020-FWLY01006); Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities

Accesses

Citations

Detail

Sections
Recommended

/