Biochar amendment in agricultural soil for mitigation of abiotic stress

Abstract

Abiotic stresses like drought, cold, salinity, heat, oxidative stress and the presence of excess levels of heavy metal in the agroecosystems lead to a decrease in the growth and productivity of major crops worldwide. The majority of stresses are connected with each other and results in elevated adverse impacts on the plants as well as other important components of the environment. The intensity of stresses and associated adverse impacts are increasing substantially in the era of climate change that again triggers to produce abnormalities in the crops. To overcome the effects of abiotic stresses, a number of strategies have been investigated, such as developing and cultivate stress-tolerant varieties, use of organic fertilizers, and the application of high yielding varieties. Application of biochar to mitigate the impacts of major abiotic stresses especially drought, salinity, and heavy metal has been found very effective. Amendment of biochar in stress affected agroecosystems improves the soil physicochemical and biological features and thereby enhances the productivity of crops. In this chapter, efforts have been made to discuss about three major stresses, i.e. drought, salinity, and heavy metals, their impacts on soil as well as plant productivity. Further, the efficiency and mechanism of biochar in reducing the impacts of stresses when using as a soil amendment have also been discussed thoroughly.