A field experiment was conducted at Udaipur (Rajasthan) during rabi season of 2021-22 to evaluate the effect of water stress and biochar application on biochemical and physiological processes in wheat. The experiment consisted of four levels of water stress as main-plot and four levels of biochar as sub-plot treatments conducted in split plot design (SPD) replicated thrice. Results revealed that water stress at various growth stages and biochar application had effect on proline, chlorophyll and relative water content (RWC). Water stress at grain filling stages resulted in higher chlorophyll and relative water content as compared to no water stress. Further, water stress at tillering stages resulted in higher proline over no water stress. Application of biochar had no effect on proline and chlorophyll contents Further, application of Biochar @ 4 t/ha in significant relative water content.
Author(s) Details:
Naresh Kumar
Department of Agronomy, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, (MPUAT), Udaipur, Rajasthan, India and Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
K. Intodia
Department of Agronomy, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, (MPUAT), Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Ronak Kuri
Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Rahul Gurjar
Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Jagdish Mali
Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Recent Global Research Developments in Biochar Application in Wheat Farming
Improved Yield and Quality: A study published in Frontiers in Plant Science demonstrated that biochar, when combined with organic and mineral nitrogen fertilizers, significantly improved wheat yield and quality. Specifically, the application of 20 tons of biochar per hectare along with 150 kg of nitrogen per hectare from poultry manure increased grain protein content by 14.57% and grain yield by 62.9% [1].
Global Dataset on Biochar Effects: A comprehensive dataset compiled from 367 peer-reviewed studies across 37 countries has shown that biochar application can enhance crop yield, improve soil properties, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This dataset provides valuable insights into the variability and effectiveness of biochar in different agricultural settings [2].
Soil Quality Enhancement: Research published in Springer found that biochar produced from agricultural bio-waste improved soil physical and chemical properties, which in turn enhanced the growth performance of wheat and barley under rainfed conditions [3].
Climate-Smart Agriculture: Multiple meta-analyses have explored the benefits of biochar in reducing soil methane and nitrous oxide emissions, increasing soil organic carbon, and improving crop yield. These studies highlight biochar’s potential in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and mitigating climate change [4].
References
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- Li, X., Wu, D., Liu, X., Huang, Y., Cai, A., Xu, H., … & Zhang, W. (2024). A global dataset of biochar application effects on crop yield, soil properties, and greenhouse gas emissions. Scientific Data, 11(1), 57.
- Albalasmeh, A., Mohawesh, O., Alqudah, A. et al. The Potential of Biochar Application to Enhance Soil Quality, Yield, and Growth of Wheat and Barley Under Rainfed Conditions. Water Air Soil Pollut 234, 463 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-023-06493-4
- Bo, X., Zhang, Z., Wang, J. et al. Benefits and limitations of biochar for climate-smart agriculture: a review and case study from China. Biochar 5, 77 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42773-023-00279-x
