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This week, I had the privilege of speaking at the CEBAR Expert Series 3/2025 at Universiti Malaya, where I presented a talk titled "Rhizosphere Engineering: How Biochar and Microbes Reshape Plant-Soil Interaction." It was both humbling and exciting to share research that sits so close to my heart.
The Rhizosphere, the tiny but mighty zone around plant roots — is where the real magic happens between soil, microbes, and plant roots. My presentation focused on how we can engineer this space using biochar-based innovations to create more resilient, productive agroecosystems.
One of the highlights was sharing insights from my patented and trademarked innovation, BacChar™, a biochar-microbe hybrid fertilizer that I developed during my doctoral research. BacChar™ isn’t just a soil amendment—it’s a living ecosystem in a granule. It combines the structural benefits of biochar with the power of beneficial microbes, offering a synergistic approach to enhancing nutrient uptake, improving soil health, and supporting sustainable agriculture.
We explored how biochar’s porous architecture acts as a protective shelter for microbial allies like nitrogen-fixers and phosphate solubilizers, and how this fosters a healthier plant-soil relationship. The audience engaged deeply with the microscopy visuals and experimental data—some of which demonstrated the micro-level interactions that BacChar™ facilitates in stressed or nutrient-poor soils.
But what truly made the session special was the thoughtful discussion afterward. Researchers from diverse fields contributed insights and questions that sparked ideas I’m still thinking about. It reminded me just how collaborative and interdisciplinary sustainable innovation needs to be.
Thank you to the CEBAR team and the enthusiastic participants for creating such an open, inspiring space for dialogue. It was an honor to present and to contribute to the ongoing conversation around plant-soil-microbe systems and the future of sustainable farming.
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