Lentils are a cornerstone of global food security and soil health, prized for their high protein content and their ability to naturally enrich the earth with nitrogen. However, farmers often struggle with inconsistent sprouting and uneven growth in the early stages of the plant’s life. A new study published in Scientific Reports by lead author Sumit Chauhan and a team of researchers investigated sustainable solutions to these common agricultural hurdles. By testing natural priming agents like biochar and humic acid, the researchers sought to find an eco-friendly way to jumpstart the development of lentil seeds. Their findings reveal that these organic treatments do more than just help seeds sprout; they fundamentally improve the physiological health and energy efficiency of the young plants.

The results of the laboratory and field experiments were particularly striking regarding the performance of biochar. When seeds were treated with a 4 percent biochar solution, the germination rate jumped to 90 percent, a significant improvement over the untreated seeds which hovered around 63 percent. This boost is largely due to how biochar creates a better environment for the seed, improving water retention and aeration while also promoting beneficial microbial activity. Beyond just sprouting, the biochar-treated seedlings grew much longer roots and shoots. The study recorded a 26.3 percent increase in overall seedling length. This robust early growth is a critical factor for crop survival, especially in regions where young plants must quickly establish themselves to withstand dry or salty soil conditions.

Humic acid also proved to be a beneficial treatment, though its effectiveness was most pronounced at a specific 1 percent concentration. At this level, humic acid acted as a powerful biochemical stimulant, enhancing the internal metabolic processes of the seeds. It significantly improved the vigor index and helped the plants accumulate more dry weight. Interestingly, the researchers found that more is not always better when it comes to humic acid. Higher concentrations actually began to hinder growth by creating an imbalanced environment around the seed coat. This highlights the importance of the study’s precision in identifying the exact amounts needed to maximize plant health without causing unintended stress.

One of the most important aspects of the research involved looking at how these treatments affected the internal chemistry of the lentils. Both biochar and humic acid treatments led to higher levels of chlorophyll, the green pigment that allows plants to turn sunlight into energy. Specifically, the 4 percent biochar treatment resulted in the highest chlorophyll-a content, suggesting that these plants were much more efficient at photosynthesis. Furthermore, the study used specialized staining techniques to observe how the plants handled oxidative stress. The results indicated that these priming agents help the plants maintain a healthy internal balance, essentially training their natural defense systems to be more resilient as they grow.

The broader implications of this research offer a promising path forward for sustainable agriculture. By using biochar and humic acid, which are relatively low-cost and eco-friendly materials, farmers can significantly improve their crop yields while reducing their reliance on synthetic fertilizers and chemical treatments. This approach not only helps the individual farmer but also contributes to long-term soil health and climate resilience. The study concludes that these priming techniques are practical, scalable, and highly effective for improving the quality of lentil production. As agriculture faces increasing pressure from environmental changes, these types of natural innovations will be essential for ensuring a stable and healthy food supply for the future.

Source: Chauhan, S., Bhardwaj, K., Rao, D., Pal, N., Kumar, R., Lone, A. A., & Rahimi, M. (2026). Enhanced seed quality and physio-biochemical parameters in lentil through biochar and humic acid-based seed priming. Scientific Reports.