Wu, Chai, et al (2024) Effect 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 addition on water–salt distribution and growth of winter wheat in coastal saline-alkali soils under brackish water irrigation. Soil Use and Management. https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.13028

The study aimed to explore strategies for enhancing water conservation and increasing yields in saline-alkali soils of the Yellow River Delta region. Through outdoor pot experiments utilizing local moderately saline-alkali soils, the research investigated the effects of biochar addition on water and salt distribution and winter wheat growth under brackish water irrigation.

Three irrigation water mineral concentrations (0, 2, and 4 g L−1) and two types of biochar (wheat straw biochar and corn straw biochar) with four application rates were examined, resulting in 21 treatments replicated three times. The findings revealed that brackish water irrigation and biochar application significantly increased soil water content, while biochar mitigated soil salinity and reduced salinization effects.

Although biochar application increased soil salt content, it effectively reduced soil sodium adsorption ratio and exchangeable sodium percentage, benefiting winter wheat growth and yield. Notably, the treatment applying 10 t ha−1 of corn straw biochar under 2 g L−1 brackish water irrigation demonstrated the highest yield increase of 18% compared to the control without biochar.

Thus, the most effective approach for saline land improvement in the region involves using 2 g L−1 brackish water for irrigation along with applying 10 t ha−1 of corn straw biochar, striking a balance between addressing soil salinity, enhancing water conservation, and maximizing crop yields. This study provides valuable insights for sustainable agriculture practices in saline-alkali soil regions.