When introducing beneficial microorganisms into soil they usually have a very poor survival and this fact has limited the extensive use of plant growth promoting bacteria and microbial pest control agents. Biochar is an acclaimed soil quality improver with potential of sequestering carbon in soil to mitigate increasing CO2 in the atmosphere. Our results have so far shown biochar to increase soil organic carbon content and have no significant effect on microbial processes. In this project we will explore the potentials of using biochar as a carrier of beneficial bacteria upon introduction to soil. This is hypothesised to increase and prolong survival of the beneficial bacteria and hence their positive effects towards sustainable agricultural practises.

Supervisor: Anne Winding (senior scientist) (aw@envs.au.dk)