Hareem, et al (2024) Mitigation of drought stress in chili plants (Capsicum annuumL.) using mango fruit waste 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, fulvic acid and cobalt. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-65082-5

Drought stress poses significant challenges to chili plant growth, leading to reduced productivity due to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and limited nutrient uptake. A recent study explored the potential of using mango fruit waste biochar (MFWBC), fulvic acid (FA), and cobalt sulfate (CoSO4) to mitigate these adverse effects.

The study tested eight different treatments on chili plants, including combinations of 4 g/L FA, 20 mg/L CoSO4, and 0.50% MFWBC. The results were promising, particularly for the combined application of FA, CoSO4, and MFWBC. This combination led to a notable increase in various growth parameters: plant height increased by 23.29%, plant dry weight by 28.85%, fruit length by 20.17%, fruit girth by 21.41%, and fruit yield by 25.13% compared to the control group.

These improvements were attributed to the combined effects of the three amendments. Fulvic acid enhanced nutrient availability and soil properties, while cobalt played a crucial role in enzyme and antioxidant activity, boosting the plant’s stress tolerance. Biochar contributed by improving soil moisture retention and nutrient uptake.

Additionally, the combination treatment increased chlorophyll content and essential nutrient concentrations in the leaves, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, further promoting plant health and productivity under drought conditions.

This study underscores the potential of integrating organic and inorganic amendments to enhance chili plant resilience against drought stress. The use of 4 g/L FA, 20 mg/L CoSO4, and 0.50% MFWBC shows significant promise for improving chili cultivation in drought-prone areas, suggesting a viable strategy for farmers facing water scarcity. Future research could extend these findings to other crops and varying agroclimatic conditions to validate the broader applicability of this approach.