Biochar Promotes the Growth of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Taxodium ‘Zhongshanshan’ in Coastal Saline–Alkali Soils

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Abstract
Taxodium ‘Zhongshanshan’ serves as a primary afforestation species in coastal saline–alkali soils, yet its healthy growth is significantly constrained by excessive soil salinity and nutrient deficiencies. This study investigated the synergistic effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with organic amendments (biochar/straw) on ameliorating soil amelioration and plant adaptation. Six treatments were implemented: Control (CK), Biochar (B), Straw (S), AMF (M), AMF+Biochar (M+B), and AMF+Straw (M+S), with physiological and edaphic parameters monitored over two growth cycles. The results revealed that the M+B treatment demonstrated superior performance, achieving the lowest soil pH (8.06) and electrical conductivity (0.25 mS/cm) alongside reduced Na+ accumulation in plant tissues (0.28–0.88 mg/g). Synergistic effects were evident in enhanced chlorophyll synthesis, soluble protein production, and antioxidant enzyme activation. Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLS-PM) analysis revealed that soil nitrogen availability indirectly stimulated growth through upregulation of soluble proteins (path coefficient: 0.54) and antioxidant activity (0.22), with cumulative indirect effects (0.88) outweighing direct inhibition (−0.36). These finding provide actionable insights for coastal afforestation strategies using microbial–organic material co-application.
Funding Information
  • Jiangsu Science and Technology Plan Project (BE2022420, 202210298075Y)
  • Jiangsu Province College Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program (BE2022420, 202210298075Y)

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