The role of biochar application in modifying soil architecture, root morphology and soil C dynamics – Debarati Bhaduri
Title: The role of biochar application in modifying soil architecture, root morphology and soil C dynamics
Project Description
Biomass-derived black carbon (or Biochar) has gained attention in recent times due to its interactions with soil properties. The study of root-biochar interactions provides an opportunity to study soil architecture, root morphology in rhizosphere, inter-linked with soil C dynamics and microbial responses that may give a new insight into the mechanisms of soil changes resulting from biochar application.
Approach
Based on a glasshouse experiment using different biochars the study aims to:
- assess the changes in soil structural properties (pore geometry, soil aggregation network) and in root morphology brought by biochar application
- study the differential response of biochar(s) regarding soil C dynamics, microbial responses, and gas exchange behaviour in the presence of plant roots to evaluate the potentiality of biochar to mitigate climate change.
Outcome
The study will help to develop a conceptual framework on root-biochar interaction encompassing these related aspects.
Users
Researchers, Policy makers, Farming community.
