Revolutionizing Maize Resilience: DAB and CMC Synergy Against Drought Stress

This study investigates the combined use of deashed biochar (DAB) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to bolster maize resilience under drought stress. The joint application demonstrates notable improvements in growth, chlorophyll levels, and nutrient concentrations, suggesting a pragmatic solution for sustainable maize production in water-scarce environments.

March 4, 2024

1–2 minutes

Danish, Hasnain, et al (2024) Enhancing maize resilience to drought stress: the synergistic impact of deashed 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 carboxymethyl cellulose amendment. BMC Plant Biology. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-04843-w

In the face of escalating drought stress affecting maize production, a study delves into an innovative solution – the combined application of deashed biochar (DAB) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Maize, highly susceptible to water stress, encounters growth impediments and diminished yields during crucial stages. Traditional solutions, advocating water-efficient farming methods, grapple with limited adoption due to accessibility challenges and extensive research requirements for developing resilient maize varieties.

CMC, a water-soluble cellulose derivative, emerges as a pivotal player in mitigating drought impact. Functioning as a protective layer, it aids seed moisture retention, critical for germination and early plant growth in drought-prone areas. Additionally, CMC enhances soil water retention, augments soil structure, and curtails compaction, thus fortifying crops against water scarcity.

Deashed biochar, a carbon-rich, porous substance derived from organic 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, complements CMC. Its porous structure enhances soil water retention and acts as a nutrient reservoir, preventing leachingLeaching is the process where nutrients are dissolved and carried away from the soil by water. This can lead to nutrient depletion and environmental pollution. Biochar can help reduce leaching by improving nutrient retention in the soil. More in water-scarce conditions. Moreover, biochar fosters improved soil structure, facilitating enhanced water infiltration and mitigating drought’s adverse effects on plant growth.

The study, deploying six different treatments under field conditions, scrutinizes the impact of DAB and CMC on maize during drought stress. Remarkably, the 1 DAB + 25 CMC treatment outshines, significantly boosting maize attributes such as shoot and root weights, length, chlorophyll concentrations, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, and nutrient content. These findings underscore the efficacy of the combined application in alleviating drought stress on maize, advocating for its adoption as a beneficial amendment. In the quest for sustainable agricultural practices and global food security, the collaborative approach of DAB and CMC emerges as a promising solution to fortify maize against the challenges posed by drought.