Interactions
of biochar with soil microorganisms are complex
(Lehmann and Rondon, 2006) and depend on the
amount and type of biochar present in or added to
soil. Soil microbial diversity and population size as
well as population composition and activity that have
significant influences on nutrient cycles and nutrient
availability to plants, are affected by biochar application.
Due to higher surface area and surface hydrophobicity
of both the microorganisms and the biochar, the
soil amended with biochar results in better retention of
the microorganisms and higher microbial activity and
diversity (Rivera-Utrilla et al., 2001; Mills, 2003).