Anwar, T., Qureshi, H., Jabeen, M. et al. Exploring the synergistic benefits 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 and gibberellic acid in alleviating cadmium toxicity. Sci Rep14, 24196 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73678-0

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil presents a significant threat to agriculture and food safety. To mitigate Cd toxicity, a recent study investigated the combined use of biochar (BC) and gibberellic acid (GA3) on maize growth under Cd stress. The study focused on how these treatments influence oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities in maize plants.

Biochar, produced from fruit and vegetable waste, and GA3, a plant growth regulator, were applied individually and in combination to maize grown in soil with different Cd concentrations. The results showed that both treatments significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in maize roots, stems, and leaves under Cd stress, with the combined treatment providing the most significant reductions. Specifically, the combination of GA3 and BC reduced H2O2 levels by up to 50% in roots, 55% in stems, and 53% in leaves under severe Cd stress.

In addition to lowering oxidative stress, the combined treatment enhanced the activity of key antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). These enzymes help plants manage reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing oxidative damage and improving resilience to Cd toxicity.

The study suggests that using BC and GA3 together can significantly enhance Cd tolerance in maize, offering a sustainable approach to managing heavy metal stress in agriculture. Future research should explore long-term effects and field applications to support widespread use of these treatments.