Biochar Enhances Growth of Lemon Balm Under Salt Stress

Biochar improves soil properties and promotes the growth of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) under salt stress. Biochar increased water retention, nutrient availability, and reduced oxidative damage, enhancing plant biomass and nutrient uptake, while decreasing sodium content and stress markers.

October 16, 2024

1–2 minutes

Liu, et al (2024)
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 application on soil properties and the growth of *Melissa officinalis* L. under salt stress. *Scientia Horticulturae.* https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2024.113704

A recent study published in Scientia Horticulturae investigates the effects of biochar on soil properties and the growth of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) under salt stress. Soil salinization, a growing ecological problem, severely limits plant growth by affecting soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. In this experiment, researchers applied biochar at concentrations of 0%, 10%, and 20% to soil exposed to varying salt levels (0%, 0.2%, and 0.6% NaCl and Na₂SO₄).

The study found that biochar significantly improved soil quality under salt stress. It enhanced water retention, increased porosityPorosity of biochar is a key factor in its effectiveness as a soil amendment and its ability to retain water and nutrients. Biochar’s porosity is influenced by feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature, and it plays a crucial role in microbial activity and overall soil health. Biochar More, boosted available phosphorus and potassium levels, and stimulated soil enzyme activity. Furthermore, biochar reduced soil bulk density and plant oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde (MDA), suggesting a protective effect against salt-induced damage.

Plant growth also benefited from biochar. Increased 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, improved nutrient uptake, and lower sodium accumulation were observed in treated plants. However, biochar affected secondary metabolite levels, with a reduction in osmotic substances and metabolites like flavonoids in lemon balm leaves under salt stress.

Overall, the 20% biochar treatment showed the most promising results in enhancing soil and plant health, suggesting that biochar could be an effective tool for mitigating salt stress in agriculture, particularly for salt-tolerant crops like Melissa officinalis. These findings support biochar’s potential for improving soil management in saline-affected regions.