Biochar and Trichoderma aureoviride applied to the sandy soil: effect on soil quality and watermelon growth

Abstract

Trichoderma spp. are an alternative to increase plant growth and as biological control agents of diseases.  Biochar added to soil and Trichoderma can result in the enhancement of crop development and can aid in preventing fertilizer run-off, improving plant health, retaining soil moisture, and helping plants through drought periods. However, a knowledge gap remains regarding the combined effect of biochar and Trichoderma on soil quality and crop growth. The objective of the present study was to evaluate this combined effect and show a new approach of biochar as a route of T. aureoviride (T) inoculation. We evaluated three sources of biochar, bean husks, coffee grounds, and coffee husks, with or without T and additional control that was devoid of biochar and T. The association of all biochar sources with T showed a significant increase in watermelon growth and soil quality. Biochar coffee grounds with T increased urease, β-glucosidase, and total organic carbon, showing the potential of this combination in these processes. Watermelon plants cultivated in soil with coffee grounds and T   showed plant length and shoot dry biomass increases of 129% and 192%, respectively. Thus, this study found that biochar use plays an important role in the effectiveness of T. aureoviride applications and is a new instrument for sustainable agriculture.