Effects Of Biochar And Mycorrhizae In Dry Forest Ecosystems. A Literature Review

Abstract

Contextualization: Tropical dry forests (TDF) are highly threatened ecosystems due to agricultural expansion, climate variability, and soil degradation. These pressures have led to a significant loss of biodiversity and crucial ecosystem functions.

Knowledge gap: Current agricultural needs drive innovation in the field. However, despite the growing interest in ecological restoration techniques, there is a lack of comprehensive synthesis on the combined potential of biochar and mycorrhizae as a strategy for the recovery of BST.

Purpose: This systematic review aims to analyze and synthesize current scientific evidence on the effects of biochar and mycorrhizae, both individually and in combination, in restoring and improving soil health in TDF ecosystems.

Methodology: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted using Web of Science and Scopus databases, complemented by the Litmaps tool. We examined 238 articles published between 1993 and 2024, selected through specific relevance and quality criteria.

Results: Biochar demonstrated significant improvements in water retention (up to 27%) and total organic carbon content (up to 23%) in TDF soils. Mycorrhizae, in turn, optimized nutrient uptake and increased plant resistance to stress. The combined application of biochar and mycorrhizae showed synergistic effects in some cases, although complex interactions were also observed that require further investigation.

Conclusions: The integration of biochar and mycorrhizae emerges as a promising strategy for TDF restoration, offering benefits in soil structure, water and nutrient retention, and ecosystem resilience. However, more research is needed to optimize their application in diverse ecological contexts and fully understand the long-term interactions between these components in TDF ecosystems.