Effect of Biochar on the Abundance of Soil Bacteria.
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Date
2014-08
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Abstract
A pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of biochar on the abundance of soil
bacteria and compare it with the source biomass. Seven different treatments and a control
were used in the experimental set-up. Three different types of biomass were selected and
three types of biochar were produced from them. Both the materials were applied to the
soil at a rate of 5t/ha. All treatments were incubated for 30, 60 and 90 days. Cultural,
microscopic and biochemical tests were carried out to identify the bacterial isolates in soils
treated with biochar and its source biomass. Bacterial isolates identified in soil and in
some of the biomasses before treatments were applied include Bacillus badius, Bacillus
krulwichiae, Bacillus siralis, Bacillus sylvestris, Bacillus flexus, Aneurinibacillus
aneurinilyticus and Bacillus thuringiensis while after incubation periods, seven new
isolates were identified. This was true for the biomass treated soils where additional one
to two isolates reappeared. Conversely, in the biochar treated soils, most of the isolates
disappeared except Bacillus badius that survived in all soils till 90 days. Because of its
tolerant nature, it was further investigated for cellulase enzyme activity. Interestingly, the
isolate did not show any such activity. Conclusively, biochar application may exert
negative effect on the distribution and proliferation of soil bacteria with possible effect on
soil quality and crop production.
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Keywords
Biochar, Bacillus badius, cellulase, isolate
Citation
Khan T F, Huq S M Imamul. Effect of Biochar on the Abundance of Soil Bacteria. British Microbiology Research Journal. 2014 Aug; 4(8): 896-904.