TY  - EJOU
AU  - Roy, Arpita Rani 
AU  - Jahan, Israt 
AU  - Mou, Sharah Jabeen 
AU  - Hasin, Md. Farhan 
AU  - Angon, Prodipto Bishnu 
AU  - Sultana, Rebeka 
AU  - Mazumder, Badhon 
AU  - Sakil, Md. Arif 

TI  - Function of Biochar: Alleviation of Heat Stress in Plants and Improvement of Soil Microbial Communities
T2  - Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany

PY  - 2025
VL  - 94
IS  - 4
SN  - 1851-5657

AB  - Global warming is making plants more susceptible to heat stress. Hence, adjustments to crop production systems are required for global food security. Heat stress (HS) poses a threat to the quality of ecosystems and global food security due to its adverse effects on plant development. The degree to which HS affects physiological disruptions, physical harm, and biochemical changes at various growth stages directly correlates with its effects on physiological functions, plant growth, and crop production. One promising approach is soil modification using biochar, which enhances soil health and promotes the development of microbial communities, ultimately improving plant heat tolerance. Biochar enhances soil structure, improves moisture retention, and increases nutrient availability in hot weather, thereby promoting plant growth and enhancing crop yields. Additionally, biochar, with its porous structure and ability to provide a liming effect, increases the diversity and activity of soil microbes, thereby fostering advantageous symbiotic relationships. These microbial communities support nutrient cycling, root growth, and general soil health, strengthening biochar’s position as a long-term solution for climate-resilient farming. Earlier research concentrated on the connection between biochar and heat stress or microbial populations; however, this review uniquely combines all three elements, providing a fresh viewpoint on their interrelated functions in enhancing plant adaptability. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the potential of biochar as a sustainable component for improving soil and supporting crops that adapt to heat stress. It examines the processes underlying these interactions and provides recommendations for future research strategies.
KW  - Biochar; heat stress; soil health; plant development; agriculture; abiotic stress

DO  - 10.32604/phyton.2025.063675