Biochar-Microbe Interaction Promotes Soybean Growth in Saline-alkali Land by Improving Soil Nutrients and Regulating the Rhizosphere Microbial Community

this study aims to investigate the synergistic effects of their combined application on improving saline-alkali tolerance in soybean. A newly isolated salt-tolerant PGPB strain, Sutcliffiella horikoshii, was employed alongside the commonly utilized PGPB Bacillus subtilis, and both were applied in conjunction with biochar in a pot experiment under saline-alkali conditions. The research specifically sought to (1) evaluate the physiological and biochemical responses of soybean to salt stress under co-application conditions, including chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activities, soil nutrient, and microbial community composition; and (2) determine whether PGPB co-application with biochar confers enhanced benefits compared to the application of PGPB alone.