*3.1.5 Stimulation of soil microflora and plant growth*

Biochar provides a suitable habitat for a large and diverse group of soil microorganisms, although the interaction of biochar with soil microorganisms is a complex phenomenon. Addition of biochar along with phosphate solubilizing fungal strains promoted growth and yield of *Vigna radiata* and *Glycine max* plants, with better performances than control or those observed when the strains and biochar are used separately [26]. It was found that biochar increased the biological N2 fixation (BNF) of *Phaseolus vulgaris* [27] mainly due to greater availability of micronutrients after application of biochar. It has also been reported that leaching of NH4 + was reduced with the application of biochar resulting to its higher availability for plant uptake [20]. Mycorrhizal fungi which were widely used as supplements for soil inoculums, often included in crop management strategies [28]. When using both biochar and mycorrhizal fungi in accordance with management practices, it is obviously possible to use potential synergism that can positively affect soil quality.

*Biochar: A Sustainable Approach for Improving Soil Health and Environment DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.97136*


#### **Table 2.**

*Summary of experiments assessing the impact of biochar addition on crop yield.*
