Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils poses a significant threat to food security and human health. Cd accumulates in crops, entering the food chain and potentially causing harm to consumers. Finding ways to remediate Cd-contaminated soils for sustainable crop production is crucial.

This study investigated the potential of combining 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 (BC) application with foliar spray of plant growth regulators (PGRs) to mitigate Cd stress in maize, a staple crop in many regions. The researchers conducted a pot experiment with maize plants grown in Cd-spiked soil and treated with different combinations of BC and PGRs (gibberellin and auxin).

The results were impressive. The combined application of BC and PGRs significantly improved maize growth compared to plants treated with Cd alone. Leaf area, shoot and root 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, and photosynthetic activity all increased, showcasing the synergistic effect of the two approaches. Additionally, Cd uptake in maize leaves was drastically reduced, minimizing the risk of Cd entering the food chain.

This study reveals several key benefits of the combined BC-PGR approach:

• Enhanced plant growth and productivity: Maize plants treated with BC and PGRs thrived despite the Cd stress, demonstrating the potential for maintaining crop yields on contaminated soils.
• Reduced Cd uptake: The combined treatment effectively minimized Cd accumulation in maize, ensuring safer food production and protecting consumer health.
• Environmentally friendly: Both BC and PGRs are considered sustainable solutions for soil remediation, making this approach an environmentally responsible choice.

This research paves the way for a promising strategy to address Cd contamination in agricultural soils. By harnessing the combined power of biochar and plant growth regulators, we can promote sustainable crop production on polluted land, ensuring food security while safeguarding human health.

Further research is needed to explore the long-term effectiveness of this approach and its applicability to different crops and soil conditions. However, this study offers a significant step towards achieving sustainable agriculture on Cd-contaminated lands.

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Haider, et al. (2024) Co-application of biochar and plant growth regulators improves maize growth and decreases Cd accumulation in cadmium-contaminated soil. Journal of Cleaner Production, In Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.140515