sousaraeS, et al (2024) Effect of co-application of zinc enriched 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 and foliar application of zinc on some physiological traits and the zinc uptake in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Agricultural Engineering. https://doi.org/10.22055/agen.2024.46559.1719

Micronutrient deficiencies can severely impact plant yield and quality. To address zinc deficiency in plants, a study explored the use of biochar as a nutrient carrier to improve zinc uptake in wheat. Biochar’s high surface area and porous structure make it ideal for synthesizing mineral composites that can enhance soil properties and nutrient availability.

The study, conducted in Iran, used zinc-deficient soil to test various zinc treatments. These included zinc sulfate and biochar pellets enriched with zinc through pre- and post-pyrolysis methods. The experiment, held in a greenhouse, involved 18 treatments and measured physiological traits such as chlorophyll content and zinc uptake.

Results indicated that both zinc-enriched biochar pellets and zinc sulfate significantly improved wheat’s physiological traits. The highest chlorophyll levels were found in plants treated with pre-pyrolysis zinc pellets and zinc sulfate foliar spray at 20 mg/kg. This treatment also resulted in the highest zinc uptake during critical growth stages, showing increases of 27.69% and 30%.

The correlation between extractable zinc and plant chlorophyll content, as well as zinc concentration and uptake, was positive and significant. This suggests that zinc-enriched biochar pellets, especially when combined with zinc sulfate foliar spray, can effectively enhance zinc availability and physiological health in wheat plants. The study highlights the potential of biochar as a sustainable solution to improve micronutrient delivery in agriculture.