Synergistic effects of biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on maize growth: Insights into nutrient uptake and microbial community shifts

Abstract

While biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are recognized as sustainable soil amendments for industrial crop production, their combined potential to synergistically enhance crop performance through rhizosphere modulation remains underexplored. This study systematically investigated the mechanisms underlying biochar-AMF interactions in a maize ( Zea mays L.) growth using pot experiment with eight treatments, varying biochar concentrations and AMF presence. The 5 % biochar + AMF treatment yielded the most significant growth-promoting effects, accompanied by increased soil enzyme activities, including pyrroloquinoline-quinone synthase and nitrogenase. Notably, biochar amplified AMF colonization efficiency and upregulated key symbiosis-regulated genes, creating a plant-microbe feedback loop critical for nutrient acquisition. Advanced microbial community analysis revealed biochar's role as a microbial scaffold, enriching functional taxa in both rhizosphere ( Arthrobacter , Acremonium ) and biochar microhabitats ( Ralstonia , Ceratobasidium ) linked to nutrient cycle, driving enhanced nutrient cycling efficiency. Root transcriptomics further identified upregulation of nitrate transporters and phosphate starvation responses, confirming system-level nutrient acquisition optimization. Our findings established a novel tripartite mechanism where biochar: enhances AMF symbiosis fidelity, recruits keystone microorganisms for soil fertility regeneration, and primes plant nutrient uptake pathways - collectively achieving resource-use efficiency critical for sustainable intensification. This biochar-AMF coapplication strategy provides a scalable approach for improving crop growth while reducing synthetic input dependency, aligning with circular bioeconomy principles in industrial agriculture.

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