Microbial community responses to feedstock type and modifications determine soil organic carbon sequestration and crop yield in biochar-amended arid soils

Biochar amendment improves soil health and mitigates the impacts of climate change on agriculture by promoting sustained crop production. Biochar is modified to further optimize its agronomic and environmental benefits; however, the magnitude and mechanism of microbial community, soil organic carbon (SOC), and crop yield responses remain unclear. This study evaluated the impact of different feedstock-derived pristine biochars and their modifications on soil health, short-term SOC dynamics, and t