Summary
This narrative review synthesises current knowledge on designing advanced soil amendments that combine plant growth-promoting bacterial and fungal strains with sustainable, waste-sourced carrier materials including biochar and compost. The authors classify effective soil microorganisms by function, evaluate carriers for microbial delivery efficacy, and examine biochar's distinctive properties—including high porosity, customisable structure, and stability—as a superior microbial carrier with synergistic effects on soil–plant systems. The work supports the transition towards more sustainable fertiliser formulations by detailing the technical considerations for integrating microbes and organic amendments.
Regional applicability
The principles of microbial biofertiliser design and biochar application are applicable to UK farming, where soil health initiatives and organic matter building are policy priorities. However, the review does not specify UK climate or soil conditions, so practitioners would need to contextualise carrier selection and microbial strain compatibility to regional contexts.
Key measures
Plant growth promotion; pathogen and toxin mitigation; microbial survival and functional contribution; soil biota composition; carbon sequestration; biochar properties (surface area, porosity, stability)
Outcomes reported
The study reviewed the synergistic effects of plant growth-promoting microorganisms combined with biochar, compost, and other carriers on soil amendments and plant performance. It evaluated the functional classification of soil microorganisms, carrier materials for microbial delivery, and biochar's role in enhancing soil biota and crop productivity.
Topic tags
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