Evaluation of the Agave-Biochar-Microorganism Interaction for Soil Improvement and Agave Quality Enhancement

• Grant number: 25/14482-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy
• Principal Investigator: Gonçalo Amarante Guimarães Pereira
• Grantee: Camila Santos Woloche
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The worsening of climate change, driven by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, has intensified the search for sustainable solutions for energy production and the restoration of areas with low agricultural potential. In this context, biofuels emerge as a favorable alternative for mitigating this issue. Agave stands out as a strategic crop for semi-arid regions due to its high water resilience, hardiness, and potential for generating industrially valuable co-products. Biochar, a byproduct of the pyrolysis process, is notable for its potential to promote carbon sequestration, stimulate microbial activity, and improve soil health, making it a strategic input for the recovery of degraded areas and the implementation of sustainable agricultural systems. In this context, the association of biochar with microbial inoculants presents itself as an innovative and effective strategy to maximize the agronomic performance of Agave, enhancing plant growth, mitigating water stress, and improving soil properties. Given this, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of biochar application, either alone or combined with selected microbial inoculants including plant growth-promoting bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), on the development of young Agave plants grown under controlled conditions and subjected to water stress in soil characteristic of the Brazilian Sertão. To this end, greenhouse experiments will be conducted using a factorial design, employing different types of biochar and inoculants previously characterized for their ability to promote plant growth and/or drought tolerance. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters of the plants will be evaluated, as well as the soil's physicochemical and microbiological attributes, including enzymatic activity and microbial abundance. It is expected that the interaction between biochar and microorganisms will promote physiological and biochemical responses that enhance plant resilience to water deficit, resulting in greater tolerance to stress conditions. Furthermore, functional microbial activity enrichment and improved soil structure are also anticipated. This study aims to generate robust scientific evidence on the synergistic use of bioinputs and biochar in Agave cultivation, contributing to the development of sustainable strategies that strengthen bioenergy-oriented value chains.