Effects of Biochar on the Microenvironment of Saline-Sodic Soil and Maize Growth

Biochar is a valuable soil amendment substance. However, no systematic study has investigated the effects of biochar on the microenvironment of saline-sodic soils and maize yield in cold areas of Heilongjiang Province. We investigated variations in soil physicochemical properties, soil bacterial and fungal community structure, maize root formation, plant dry matter accumulation, grain filling rate, and maize yield in saline soils treated with biochar (0, 20, 40, and 80 t/ha). Biochar improved saline soil properties and structure, slightly decreasing bulk density and pH and increasing the water-stable aggregate stabilization rate. Furthermore, the relative abundances of Sphingomonas, Lysobacter, Nitrospira, and Gemmatimonas and the fungal genus Guehomyces were increased, promoting the conversion of soil organic carbon and available nitrogen and phosphorus. Moreover, biochar reduced the relative abundance of some fungal pathogenic genera, including Fusarium, Gibberella, Cladosporium, Alternaria, and Epicoccum. However, shifts in soil bacterial and fungal community structure were indirectly driven by biochar-induced changes in soil physicochemical properties, with organic carbon as the most critical. Biochar promoted maize growth, development, and yield (root length, surface area, volume, dry matter accumulation, grain filling rate, and final weight). Biochar application at 40 t/ha had the greatest effect on soil microenvironment improvement, with the highest maize yield.