A doctoral thesis titled “Studies on Influence of Biochar Application on Soil Properties and Performance of Wheat in Sodic Soils” by Divya Chadha in 2025 has yielded compelling results for tackling the global challenge of salt-affected soils. The research specifically investigated how applying biochar, especially when combined with other amendments, influences the performance of wheat in sodic soils. The findings reveal that using acidified biochar in tandem with other soil conditioners offers a significant pathway toward sustainable agriculture on degraded land. Sodic soils are characterized by high levels of sodium, which leads to poor soil structure, reduced water flow, and a harsh environment for crops like wheat, a vital source of calories and protein in regions like the Jammu area where the study was conducted.

The key to the study’s success lies in the innovative use of acidified biochar. When rice straw biochar was treated with acid and applied at a rate of 5 tons per hectare, it dramatically changed the soil chemistry. This treatment was most effective when combined with a mix of Farmyard Manure (FYM), beneficial microbial consortia (Halo-Mix), and a 50% Gypsum Requirement (GR) application. This comprehensive approach resulted in the lowest recorded soil alkalinity (pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More) and the lowest concentration of exchangeable sodium and its adsorption ratio (SAR), which are the main indicators of soil degradation. By improving these chemical parameters, the combination unlocked soil fertility, leading to the highest levels of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

The positive changes weren’t just chemical; they were biological and physical too. The combined treatment significantly boosted soil microbial activity, which is crucial for nutrient cycling. Indicators like dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activities, key enzymes in the soil, reached their peak under this optimal mix, suggesting a healthier, more active soil ecosystem. Furthermore, the physical condition of the soil drastically improved. The bulk density, a measure of soil compaction, was at its lowest, while soil porosity—the space for air and water—was at its highest (59.77%). This led to better water-holding capacity and faster infiltration rates, effectively reversing the poor soil structure typical of sodic soils.

These improvements translated directly to the wheat crop’s performance. Plants in the best-performing treatment displayed superior growth parameters, including the tallest plant height (58.21 cm), the highest number of grains per spike (69.33), and a heavier root system (23.46 g). Most notably, the grain yield soared to 27.34 q ha−1, representing an 81% increase over the control’s yield of 15.13 q ha−1. This substantial increase demonstrates the treatment’s capacity to not just reclaim the soil but to transform it into a highly productive medium. Plant uptake of all major nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) was also maximized, indicating that the healthier soil structure and normalized pH allowed the wheat roots to effectively access and utilize the available nutrients. LeachingLeaching is the process where nutrients are dissolved and carried away from the soil by water. This can lead to nutrient depletion and environmental pollution. Biochar can help reduce leaching by improving nutrient retention in the soil.   More studies confirmed the treatment’s long-term viability by showing it effectively flushed out sodium and other harmful ions while retaining beneficial cations.

In summary, the study decisively shows that a tailored, integrated amendment strategy using acidified biochar, Farmyard Manure, microbial consortia, and gypsum is a powerful and sustainable solution for restoring sodic soils. This combination acts synergistically to detoxify the soil, rebuild its physical structure, and energize its biological activity, culminating in substantially higher wheat yields and improved food security on marginal lands.

Source: Chadha, D. (2025). Studies on influence of biochar application on soil properties and performance of wheat in sodic soils. [Doctoral dissertation, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu].