Biochar augmentation improves ectomycorrhizal colonisation, plant growth and soil fertility

Synergistic effects of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal inoculation and biochar augmentation on plant growth, nutrient uptake and soil enzymes were investigated. A nursery experiment was conducted to assess the influence of ECM fungi (Suillus indicus and S. sibiricus) and biochar amendment (2% v/v) on the growth of Pinus wallichiana seedlings. Mycorrhizal colonisation significantly increased in biochar-amended soil compared to without biochar. Inoculation with ECM fungi in biochar-amended soils significantly increased the growth, biomass and phosphorus and nitrogen uptake of P. wallichiana seedlings compared with control as well as without biochar. The physicochemical properties of the soil were improved due to biochar augmentation and ECM inoculation. Activities of soil enzymes such as acid phosphatase, urease, dehydrogenase and protease were significantly increased in biochar-amended soil along with ECM fungal inoculation. These results suggest that combined use of ECM fungal inoculation and biochar amendment had a positive impact on growth, nutrient uptake and mycorrhizal colonisation of P. wallichiana seedlings. Also, biochar prepared from pine needles has potential for enhancing plant growth and soil fertility.