Abstract
Biochar (biomass-derived carbon) can influence arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation, plant growth, P nutrition and water relations but research is not conclusive. Therefore, a glasshouse experiment was conducted using wheat and clover with three water regimes, two biochar rates (0, 6 t/ha) with a series of harvests. Mycorrhizal colonisation was altered by water regimes. Shoot and root dry weight increased in well-watered compared to water-stressed conditions. Root length and colonised root length increased in the biochar treatment for wheat, especially in the well-watered treatment. Leaf gas exchange was higher in the presence of biochar indicating increased water availability to plants growing in biochar treated soil.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | 19th World Congress of Soil Science, Soil Solutions for a Changing World |
| Editors | Robert Gilkes, Nattaporn Prakongken |
| Place of Publication | Brisbane, Australia |
| Publisher | International Society of Soil Science |
| Pages | 35-37 |
| Volume | 2.2.1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2010 |