The Miracle of Biochar and AMF in Soil Processes and Plant Performance

Biochar as new product for soil amelioration has gotten acceptance by researchers worldwide but has the possibilities for negative responses to soil, plants and mycorrhizal fungi. Hence, knowledge of biochar¿s effect particularly on soil processes and plant growth is paramount and requires urgent attention in order to ensure environment-friendly functions of AMF in biochar amended soil. However, the results from this research indicated that biochar application improved plant performance, AM root colonization, AM spore abundance and soil chemical properties such as available P, organic carbon and soil pH. AM inoculation in biochar amended soil improved leaf production, AM root colonization, shoot dry matter yield, P nutrition and AM spore abundance of tomato genotypes. Therefore, this book could serve as baseline information to researchers particularly those in the area of soil microbiology, soil chemistry, soil fertility and mineralogy and other environment related specializations. It will also be handy to students, agricultural donor agencies and farmers particularly in the tropics.