Evaluation of the Impact of Biochar on Soil properties and its synergistic effects with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

Authors

  • Jean Bosco Ngarukiyimana University for Development Studies, Ghana
  • Israel K. Dzomeku University for Development Studies, Ghana
  • Abdul-Halim Abubakari University for Development Studies, Ghana
  • Hamudu Rukangantambara Department of Soil Science, University of Rwanda, Rwanda

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47504/IJAGRI.2025.3.1

Keywords:

Biochar, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi , Soil fertility, Sustainable agriculture, Soil degradation

Abstract

Soil degradation, driven by intensive farming, deforestation, overgrazing, and climate change, presents a critical threat to agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. This degradation, characterized by the loss of soil organic matter, structure, and fertility, compromises soil health, reduces crop yields, and heightens vulnerability to erosion and extreme weather. Addressing this issue is vital for food security, ecosystem services, and climate change mitigation. Biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have emerged as promising solutions to improve soil quality and plant growth. Biochar, produced through the pyrolysis of organic materials, is notable for its stable carbon structure, porosity, and nutrient retention capabilities. AMF, symbiotic fungi that enhance nutrient and water uptake in plants, are particularly beneficial in nutrient-poor and drought-prone soils. This study explores the synergistic potential of biochar and AMF in soil amelioration. Conducted at the WACWISA research farm, the experiment utilized a factorial randomized complete block design to assess the effects of AMF, biochar, and nitrogen on soil properties and garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum L.) production. Biochar was applied at 10 tons ha?¹, AMF at 8 kg ha?¹, and nitrogen at three levels (0, 150, and 200 kg ha?¹). Key soil parameters, including pH, organic carbon, and cation exchange capacity (CEC), were monitored over two growing seasons. Results indicated that both biochar and AMF significantly improved soil pH and organic carbon content, with biochar's alkaline nature and AMF's nutrient uptake facilitation playing pivotal roles. Nitrogen application also significantly influenced these parameters, although no synergistic interactions were observed among the three factors. The positive effects of biochar and AMF on soil CEC were consistent across both rainy and dry seasons. Root biomass and colonization were significantly enhanced by AMF and biochar, with notable seasonal variations. This study underscores the potential of biochar and AMF to independently and effectively improve soil health and plant productivity. While no significant interactive effects were detected, the individual contributions of these amendments highlight their importance in sustainable agricultural practices and environmental resilience. Future research should explore long-term impacts and optimize application rates to fully harness the benefits of biochar and AMF in diverse agroecosystems.

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Author Biographies

  • Jean Bosco Ngarukiyimana, University for Development Studies, Ghana

    Dr. Jean Bosco Ngarukiyimana is a PhD Fellow in Environmental Management and Sustainability at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale, Ghana, under the West African Centre for Water, Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA) scholarship. His research focuses on nitrogen bioremediation using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and biochar to enhance soil fertility, reduce environmental pollution, and promote sustainable crop production, particularly garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum L.). He has a strong academic interest in soil health, agroecology, and sustainable agriculture systems, and has participated in various interdisciplinary environmental projects across West and East Africa.

  • Israel K. Dzomeku, University for Development Studies, Ghana

    Professor Israel K. Dzomeku is a Professor of Crop Science in the Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Consumer Sciences at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale Campus, Ghana. He earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture (Soil Science) from the University of Ghana, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Soil Science from Norway, an M.Sc. in Weed Science from Ahmadu Bello University (Nigeria), and a Ph.D. in Agronomy (Weed Science) from the University of Reading (UK.

    Prof. Dzomeku has held key academic and administrative roles at UDS, including Head of the Department of Agronomy (2003–2008), Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture (2008–2009), Chief Editor of the Journal of Development Spectrum (2008–2011), and Dean of the Graduate School (2010–2012) and Student Affairs (2013–2018). He was also appointed as UDS’s representative to the Governing Board of the Golden Sunbeam International College of Science and Technology (2016–2017.

    His research spans integrated weed and soil fertility management, conservation agriculture, farming systems, and the ecological impacts of invasive weeds. He actively collaborates on international research partnerships, including JIRCAS, AFROWEEDS, and USAID‑sponsored initiatives such as IFDC and Peanut‑CRSP

    At UDS, Prof. Dzomeku teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in soil science, crop production, experimental design, and weed science and has supervised over 176 undergraduate, 14 M.Phil., and 1 Ph.D. student, with current supervision of additional graduate and doctoral candidates

  • Abdul-Halim Abubakari, University for Development Studies, Ghana

    Prof. Abdul‑Halim Abubakari is a Professor in the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Sciences, at the University for Development Studies (Tamale Campus), Ghana. Since 2021, he has served as the Vice‑Dean of the faculty, after leading the Department of Horticulture from 2016 to 2021.

    Prof. Abubakari earned his BSc in Agricultural Technology (Horticulture) in 1998 at UDS, then completed an MSc in Environmental Management at the University of London and a diploma in Environmental Science from Imperial College, London, under a Chevening Scholarship. He obtained his PhD in Landscape Science and Ecology from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

    Appointed lecturer in 2004 and promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2013, he became Associate Professor in 2019 and became full Professor in 2025. With over 17 years of experience, his expertise spans landscape ecology, horticultural science, and sustainable production systems. He has published more than 50 peer‑reviewed articles and serves as a reviewer for international journals including Acta Horticulturae.

    Prof. Abubakari has held roles such as Quality Assurance Officer, Examination Officer, and Programme Coordinator. He has also served with the Ghana Institute of Horticulturists, including roles as National Secretary and President.

  • Hamudu Rukangantambara, Department of Soil Science, University of Rwanda, Rwanda

    Dr. Hamudu Rukangantambara is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Soil Science, within the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, Busogo Campus.

    He earned his Ph.D. in Soil Sciences from the Russian State Agrarian University, Timiryazev (Moscow Agricultural Academy) in 2006, with a thesis focused on the comparative analysis of labile humic substances in virgin soils. He also holds an M.Sc. in Agronomy (Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Sciences) from Ukraine National Agrarian University in Kiev.

    Dr. Rukangantambara’s research covers soil fertility management, such as composting, biofertilizers, and GIS-based soil survey and mapping, as well as soil health, soil biology and chemistry, conservation agriculture, and nutrient cycling in agroecosystems.

    He teaches courses including Soil Physics, Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, and Applied Soil Sciences at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Dr. Rukangantambara has authored several publications on biochar effects, soil carbon mineralization, land use impacts on soil health, and nutrient uptake by crops in Rwanda and beyond.

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Published

2025-09-12

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 3: IJAGRI July-Sep 2025

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Jean Bosco Ngarukiyimana, Israel K. Dzomeku, Abdul-Halim Abubakari, Hamudu Rukangantambara

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How to Cite

Ngarukiyimana, J. B., Dzomeku, I. K., Abubakari, A.-H. ., & Rukangantambara, H. (2025). Evaluation of the Impact of Biochar on Soil properties and its synergistic effects with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi. International Journal of Agriculture, Biology & Environment (e-ISSN 2582-6107) DOI: 10.47504 IJAGRI, 6(3), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.47504/IJAGRI.2025.3.1