BIOTECHNOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF BIOCHAR AND BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS IN IMPROVING SOIL FERTILITY

Soil fertility decline is one of the major challenges affecting sustainable agricultural production. The combined application of biochar and beneficial microorganisms represents a promising biotechnological approach for improving soil quality and crop productivity. Biochar plays an important role in modifying soil physical and chemical properties, enhancing microbial diversity, and regulating nutrient cycling processes. It provides a favorable habitat for beneficial microorganisms, increasing their activity and improving nutrient availability, water retention, and soil structure. The interaction between biochar and microbial communities contributes to carbon sequestration, soil health improvement, and sustainable agricultural development. Biochar–microbe synergy has significant potential as an environmentally friendly strategy for increasing soil fertility and supporting sustainable farming systems.