Biochar mitigates salinity stress in plants

Abstract

Salinity is a major problem in India. It not only hampers the growth of plant and productivity but also decreases the soil productivity. Some plants develop several mechanisms to cope up Salinity stress like ion regulation by Na/H antiporter; synthesis of amino acids like valine, aspartic acid, and proline; etc. Various antioxidants play crucial role in combating salinity stress. Biochar (product obtained after pyrolysis of any organic compound) enhances the fertility of soil as it improves the soil cation exchange capacity and water holding capacity. That in turn improves the nutrient capacity of the soil. A biochar property is also dependent on the type of material and pyrolysis temperature. After biochar amendment to the saline soil, its physicochemical parameters improve like organic carbon, CEC, available phosphorous, etc. Thus, biochar not only enhances the crop productivity but also improves soil enzymatic activity.