Influence of Biochar on the Community Structure and Biogeochemical Functions of Microorganisms in Soils
Biochar, a solid material containing high fractions of aromatic functional groups, is produced through thermal degradation of biomass in the absence of oxygen or with limited oxygen. Biochar amendment can improve the physio-chemical properties of soils, regulate cycling of nutrient elements, and control transfer of pollutants, including heavy metals and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons. Although biochar can be potentially used for soil amendment, it influences the microflora in the soil environment, leading to changes in element cycling within the ecosystem. This paper summarizes recent advances about the effect of biochar on the distribution of soil microorganisms, discusses the mechanisms of biochar on the growth and metabolism of microbes, and illustrates the influence of biochar on the biogeochemical processes regulated by soil microorganisms. Previous studies demonstrated that the total biomass of soil microbes may increase, remain constant, or even decrease after biochar application to the soil environment. Different microorganisms show complex responses to biochar amendment, resulting in formation of unique microbial community structures in different soils. The influence of biochar on the growth and metabolism of microorganisms originated from the interrelated effects of several mechanisms, including pH changes, water distribution, and manipulation of nutrient cycling. In these mechanisms, adsorption of inorganic/organic compounds and microbial thallus by biochar play important roles. The effect of biochar on microbial community structure changes over time. Biochar also influences the eco-functions of microorganisms, resulting in changes in biogeochemical processes, such as emission of greenhouse gas, cycling of carbon and nitrogen, and degradation of organic pollutants. Further studies must be conducted to elucidate the effect of biochar on soil quality and provide useful information for biochar applicationin soil amendment.
biocharmicrobial community structurebiogeochemistrysoil
国家科技期刊平台
NSTL
万方数据
维普
