Effect of biochar on soil conditions, bacterial community composition and potato common scab

Biochar, applied to soil as a source of stable carbon, may affect its chemical and physical properties, but also microbial communities. Nutrients contained in biochar are released into soil and its porous structure provides additional surface for microorganisms. The resulting modification of microbial community structure and diversity may influence virulence of soil-borne pathogens and, consequently, severity of plant diseases. In this study, the effect of biochar on soil chemical properties and microbial community was linked with severity of common scab, a worldwide disease of potatoes, at two sites with high disease incidence but differing in soil conditions.