Shao, et al (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 improves morpho-physiological growth, osmolyte accumulation, nutrients balance, anti-oxidative defense and oil productivity of Brassica under flooding stress. NOTULAE BOTANICAE HORTI AGROBOTANICI CLUJ-NAPOCA. https://doi.org/10.15835/nbha52313835

Flooding is a significant environmental stress that inhibits plant growth and productivity, particularly for crops like Brassica. As climate change intensifies, flooding events are becoming more frequent, prompting researchers to explore mitigation strategies. A recent study examined the potential of biochar, a carbon-rich soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More, to alleviate the adverse effects of flooding stress on Brassica crops.

The study investigated different biochar application rates (1% and 2.5%) under well-watered and flooded conditions. Results showed that flooding stress significantly reduced plant height, 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, photosynthetic pigments, and oil concentration, while increasing oxidative stress markers like electrolyte leakage, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde. However, biochar application mitigated these effects. Plants treated with 2.5% biochar demonstrated improved root length, increased photosynthetic pigment levels, and higher antioxidant activity. Notably, the biochar-treated plants experienced up to a 300% reduction in oxidative stress markers and a significant increase in leaf water status.

Moreover, biochar enhanced nutrient uptake, leading to better growth and yield traits, including branch production and seed oil content. The study concluded that biochar, especially at 2.5%, could improve Brassica crop resilience to flooding by enhancing physiological and biochemical processes. Although these findings are promising, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms through which biochar induces flood tolerance at the molecular level.

This research highlights biochar’s potential as a sustainable tool for increasing crop resilience in flood-prone areas.