Exploring Biochar and Indigenous Inputs: Enhancing Soil Microbiome and Nutrient Efficiency in Sustainable Farming

In the realm of organic and natural farming systems, there is an emphasis on fostering soil health, ecological balance, and minimizing the use of synthetic inputs. A promising development in this field is the application of biochar - a carbon-rich, porous substance obtained from the pyrolysis of biomass. Biochar is increasingly recognized for its capacity to improve soil structure, enhance microbial diversity within the soil ecosystem, and boost nutrient retention. When biochar is used in conjunction with beneficial microorganisms including fungi, bacteria, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, as well as indigenous inputs—such as cow-based bioformulations (Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, Ghanjeevamrit), vermicompost, composts, and botanical extracts - a synergistic environment is created. This environment supports the development of beneficial microbial communities, which are crucial for nutrient cycling, improving nutrient use efficiency, and fostering sustainable plant growth. Despite its promising potential, further insights into how these combinations influence soil microbiome dynamics remain essential for maximizing soil fertility and enhancing crop productivity.

This Research Topic aims to dissect and comprehend the impacts of biochar and indigenous inputs on soil microbial diversity, activity, and nutrient availability. Key objectives include examining how these components collectively influence nutrient cycling, optimizing nutrient use efficiency, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices that are both environmentally and economically sound. By unraveling these dynamics, the research endeavors to align agricultural practices with eco-friendly methodologies, thus ensuring the long-term viability of organic and natural farming systems.

To gather further insights within the scope of improving sustainable agricultural practices through the use of biochar and indigenous inputs, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Exploration of biochar's role in enhancing microbial communities in soil

• The impact of biochar and natural inputs on soil nutrient retention and cycling

• Synergistic effects of cow-based bioformulations and biochar on plant growth

• Utilization of natural extracts and composts in biochar-amended soils

• Assessments of soil health and productivity in biochar-augmented organic systems

We invite submissions in the form of original research articles, in-depth reviews, and mini reviews that adhere to standard scientific guidelines and include robust methodologies and data analysis. Interdisciplinary contributions leveraging soil science, microbiology, agronomy, and environmental sustainability are particularly encouraged. All manuscripts will undergo a stringent peer-review process to ensure quality and relevance.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Botanical extract, Organic farming, Natural farming, biochar

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.