Direct and indirect interactions between biochar properties, plant belowground traits, and plant performance

Biochar is more and widely recognized as a promising agricultural amendment improving yield ecosystem services in range of different contexts. However, underlying mechanisms contributing to biochars benefits, notably biochar–root interactions, their mediation by biochar's diverse properties remain unclear poorly quantified. This study aimed examine quantify the interactions between biochar plant traits effect on performance. To gain better understanding biochar–plant role overall effects, with contrasted physical chemical were applied soils during 3-month greenhouse experiment barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Barley biomass well several belowground morphological physiological aboveground related nutrient acquisition measured. A multivariate structural modeling approach was employed traits, feedback biomass. Interactions carboxylate release rate contribution effects underlined. Among examined appears best proxy following addition, highlighting sparsely reported total rates ash content. Multivariate offered elements for complex interconnected involved influence relative contribution. Adopting this across wide species contexts could contribute ensure reliable benefits.