Gullap MK, Karabacak T, Severoglu S, Kurt AN, Ekinci M, Turan M, Aktas H and Yildirim E (2024) 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 derived from olive oil pomace mitigates salt stress on seedling growth of forage pea. Front. Plant Sci. 15:1398846. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1398846

Soil salinity is a major threat to agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. As a growing concern for global food security, salinity negatively impacts plant growth, reducing yields and overall agricultural productivity. Pea plants, which are sensitive to salinity, struggle to develop under such conditions, leading to significant crop losses.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material made from organic waste, has shown promise in mitigating these effects. Derived from agricultural byproducts like olive oil pomace, biochar can be used to improve soil quality. It enhances soil structure, increases nutrient retention, and even captures contaminants. In this study, researchers examined biochar’s ability to improve the growth of forage pea seedlings under varying salt stress conditions.

The study applied different concentrations of biochar (0%, 2.5%, and 5%) to the soil and subjected the plants to varying levels of salt. The findings were promising: biochar application significantly reduced the negative effects of salinity. For instance, plants treated with 2.5% biochar showed improved growth, increased root biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More, and higher chlorophyll content compared to untreated plants. Biochar also helped to lower levels of harmful sodium and chloride ions in the plant tissues, reducing oxidative stress markers like hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde.

Additionally, biochar was found to enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which are crucial for plants to combat the damage caused by salt stress. Enzymes like catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase showed increased activity, helping plants better manage oxidative stress.

One of the key benefits of biochar is its potential to promote sustainable agriculture. Olive oil pomace, typically considered waste, can be converted into biochar, providing a sustainable solution for both waste management and soil enhancement. This not only reduces environmental waste but also captures carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

The study demonstrated that even small amounts of biochar could have a significant impact. While both 2.5% and 5% biochar concentrations were effective, the lower concentration was recommended as it provided similar benefits without the need for higher application rates.

In conclusion, biochar presents a practical solution for improving plant resilience in saline environments. Its ability to enhance soil properties, reduce oxidative stress, and improve plant growth under salt stress conditions highlights its potential for broader application in agriculture. As climate change exacerbates the challenges of soil salinity, sustainable practices like biochar application will become increasingly important for ensuring food security and protecting agricultural lands. Further research in field conditions is necessary to fully understand the long-term benefits of biochar, but the current findings provide a strong foundation for its use in combating soil salinity.