Effect of biochars inoculated with microorganisms on the organic matter of soils from biointensive orchards

Valorization of agro-residues is an attractive approach to produce carbon materials for agricultural applications. In Mexico, agro-waste generated by crops such as coconut, citrus and broad bean can be attractive precursors for biochar production. This study evaluated the use of biochars produced from coconut shell, citrus pruning, and bean straw in the formulation of soil amendments. Factors involved were the type of biochar, particle size and the addition of microbial consortium. Soil organic matter response was determined after 47 days. Dunnet's multiple comparisons revealed that a significant increase in organic matter was exhibited by biochars based on coconut shell and bean straw where microbial consortium was added. ANOVA analysis showed that organic matter was influenced by the biochar type, the addition of microbial consortium, their interactions, as well as the interaction between particle size and microbial consortium. Then, biochars inoculated with microorganisms generated positive effects on organic matter.