Song, et al (2024) Supplemented 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 Mitigates the Ammonium Toxicity in Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Plants. Russian Journal of Plant Physiology. DOI: 10.1134/S1021443724605512

Ammonium toxicity is a significant stressor for basil (Ocimum basilicum), leading to growth issues like chlorosis, stunted development, and oxidative stress. A recent study explored the potential of biochar supplementation to alleviate these toxic effects. Basil plants were grown in controlled environments with varying ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrate (NO₃⁻) ratios, both with and without the addition of biochar. The results showed that high levels of ammonium caused visible damage to the plants, including interrupted photosynthesis and oxidative stress.

However, the addition of biochar (made from maize straw) to the growth medium significantly improved the basil’s tolerance to ammonium toxicity. Plants treated with biochar exhibited healthier growth, enhanced photosynthetic activity, and improved water-use efficiency. The study also highlighted biochar’s role in enhancing antioxidant defenses, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and minimizing lipid peroxidation, which is often a byproduct of oxidative stress.

Overall, the study suggests that biochar can be a valuable tool in mitigating ammonium toxicity in basil. It works by improving plant physiology, boosting photosynthesis, and fortifying the plant’s natural defense systems. This highlights biochar’s broader potential in sustainable agriculture, particularly in improving plant resilience to abiotic stresses like ammonium toxicity.