Potential of biochar to restoration of microbial biomass and enzymatic activity in a highly degraded semiarid soil.

Biochar is an effective material for enhancing soil ecosystem services. However, the specific impacts of biochar on microbial indicators, particularly in degraded soils, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biochar produced from cashew residues and sewage sludge, in a highly degraded soil, on microbial indicators.

Screening of plant growth promotion ability among bacteria isolated from field-grown sorghum under different managements in Brazilian drylands.

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a multipurpose grass cultivated in drylands due to its adaptation to drought. However the characteristics of sorghum-associated bacteria are not known in the Brazilian drylands.