In a study published in the Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Ghulam Sarwar and colleagues investigated the effects of biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More (BC) and bio-organic phosphate (BOP) on maize under drought stress. The research found that the co-application of biochar and bio-organic phosphate significantly enhanced maize resilience to drought, increasing shoot length by approximately 25% from 66.33 cm in control plants to 83.00 cm in treated plants under drought conditions.  

The study revealed that the combined application of BC and BOP improved several physiological parameters in maize subjected to drought. Root length increased from 18.67 cm in control plants to 53.67 cm in treated plants, and total chlorophyll content also increased under combined treatments. Furthermore, the co-application of BC and BOP enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), while reducing oxidative stress markers like Malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide.

Biochar, derived from the pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More of organic materials, improves soil water retention and plant resilience. Bio-organic phosphate, derived from natural sources and enriched with beneficial microorganisms, enhances phosphorus availabilityPhosphorus is another essential nutrient for plant growth, but it can sometimes be locked up in the soil and unavailable to plants. Biochar can help release phosphorus from the soil and make it more accessible to plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.   More and soil fertility. The synergistic effect of BC and BOP offers a promising strategy for mitigating drought stress in maize.  

SOURCE: Sarwar, G., Zahra, Z., Anwar, T., Qureshi, H., Khalid, F., Hassan, M., Younus, M., Sajid-ur-Rehman, M., Rao, H., Shahzad, F., Zaman, W., Shrahili, M., & Ansari, M. (2025). Synergistic Application of Biochar and Bio-Organic Phosphate Enhances Drought Tolerance in Maize by Modulating Antioxidant Defense and Reducing Oxidative Stress. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition