Impact of Biogas Slurry on Physiological and Antioxidant Mechanisms of Wheat Under Drought Stress

Abstract

Drought, a significant abiotic stressor, exerts harmful effects on crop productivity on a global scale. Researchers have investigated various strategies aimed at mitigating the detrimental impacts of drought on crop productivity. Biogas slurry (BGS) improves soil fertility and water retention, leading to increased crop output. The study aims to assess how biogas slurry improves wheat crop development and yield during drought stress. A pot experiment was carried out at the agronomic research area of IUB Bahawalpur to investigate the effect of biogas slurry on wheat crop growth under restricted water availability. The present study employed four distinct treatments of biogas slurry, namely T0 (control), T1 (450 kg ha-1), T2 (550 kg ha-1), and T3 (650 kg ha-1), in conjunction with the imposition of drought conditions. The results of the study suggest that the presence of drought conditions during the grain-filling phase exerts a negative influence on the final yield outcome. Furthermore, it was observed that biogas slurry at a dosage of 650 kg ha-1 has a pronounced impact on both the growth and yield of the cultivated crop. Soil amendment of biogas slurry at a 650 kg ha-1 rate yielded notable improvements in multiple plant growth parameters. The experimental results indicate a remarkable (6.18%) elevation in plant height, a substantial (13.26%) augmentation in the count of fertile tillers, a significant (6.90%) extension in spike length, a noteworthy (7.95%) rise in the number of grains, and a remarkable (16.97%) increase in grain yield pot-1. Furthermore, physiological parameters such as stomatal conductance (40.76%), chlorophyll content (20.25%), water use efficiency (35.41%), transpiration rate (38.71%), photosynthesis rate (23.68%), SOD (42%), POD (26%), CAT (33%), and APX (16%) were also improved with biogas slurry application. In conclusion, biogas slurry at a rate of 650 kg ha-1 could be an effective strategy for boosting wheat cereal production by minimizing the harmful effects of drought stress.