Biochar and Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria Boost Chemical and Biological Properties of Semiarid Soil in Cowpea

作者：Inara da Silva Araújo, Argemiro Pereira Martins Filho, Diogo Paes da Costa, Aline Oliveira Silva, Rafaela Félix da França, M. A. Lira, Gustavo Pereira Duda, José Romualdo de Sousa Lima, Mairon Moura da Silva, Ademir Sérgio Ferreira de Araújo, Claude Hammecker, Érika Valente de Medeiros · 发表于：Soil Systems · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3390/soilsystems9010019 · 被引用次数：11 · 研究领域：Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics、Agronomic Practices and Intercropping Systems、Legume Nitrogen Fixing Symbiosis

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are an effective tool for improving nutrients in agricultural systems; however, their efficacy depends on successful colonization in soils. To address this challenge, biochar has been identified as an effective material for enhancing soil ecosystem services and can serve as a protective for PGPB. However, the impact of biochar and PGPB on soil health indicators and plant growth remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biochar and PGPB on soil chemical and biological properties in cowpea. We used biochar from bean husk (BHB) and grape fermentation residue (GFB) and Bradyrhizobium elkanii USDA 76 (BRA), Burkholderia cepacia ATCC 25416 (PRB), or Rhizobium altiplani BR10423 (RHI). BHB and PRB stimulated cowpea growth, while GFB and PRB promoted soil phosphatase activity. Overall, different combinations of biochar and PGPR increased soil pH, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon content, and urease activity, but did not affect microbial biomass carbon and β-glucosidase activities. The biochars inoculated with the BRA showed the highest productivity. For example, plants subjected to the BRA + GFB treatment exhibited a 3.85-fold increase in productivity compared to the additional treatment that involved the use of commercial peat. The study demonstrated a positive effect of biochar and PGPB on soil enzymatic activity, nutrient content, and cowpea growth suggesting a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, ...