Biochar impacts on NH3-volatilization kinetics and growth of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under saline conditions

• Published in: Industrial crops and products Vol. 157; p. 112903
• Main Authors: Ding, Zheli, Zhou, Zhaoxi, Lin, Xinge, Zhao, Fengliang, Wang, Bizun, Lin, Fei, Ge, Yu, Eissa, Mamdouh A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-12-2020
• Subjects: Biochar application; Biochemical changes; Nutrients concentrations; Plant growth; Saline water; Saline water; Plant growth; Nutrients concentrations; Biochar application; Biochemical changes
• ISSN: 0926-6690; 1872-633X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112903

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•Saline water (8.0 dS m−1) and biochar were used in basil production.•Salnity reduced the grwoth and caused a reduction in oil yiled by 15 %.•Biochar enhanced the photosynthis rate and nutrients uptake.•Biochar induced biochmical changes to mitigate the negative effects of salnity.•Salinity incresed the NH3 volatilization and biochar reduced the loss of NH3.
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum var. Genovese) is an important medicinal herb and is considered to be a moderately salt-tolerant plant. However, little is known about the effect of biochar on enhancing its salinity tolerance. The response of basil plant to water salinity (8 dS m−1, NaCl salinity) and three levels of biochar i. e., C, BC1, and BC2 (0, 1, and 2 % by weight) was investigated, as was the effect of biochar on NH3 volatilization kinetics. Irrigation of basil plants with saline water reduced the plant height, fresh weight, and dry weight by 27 %, 18 %, and 17 % in comparison to tap water. The application of biochar to saline irrigated basil caused remarkable increases in all the recorded growth parameters. Water salinity reduced N, P, and K availability and shoot concentrations. When applied, BC1 and BC2 under saline conditions increased shoot concentrations of N by 42 % and 67 %; P by 40 % and 70 % and K by 15 % and 50 %. Water salinity increased the concentrations of proline and phenolic compounds by 15 and 70 %, respectively; moreover, it reduced the total chlorophyll by 10 %. Water salinity reduced the oil yield by 15 %. The overall oil yield was increased by 18 and 38 % as a result of BC1 and BC2 application. The salinity of irrigation water increased the NH3 volatilization and reduced its half-life by 34 %. On the other hand, biochar reduced NH3 volatilization and increased its half-life. Biochar improved the growth and yield of basil plants by improving the efficiency of photosynthesis and the absorption of essential nutrients. It also had a role in reducing the concentrations of biochemical substances produced under salt stress. Therefore, using biochar is a good strategy for reducing NH3 volatilization and enhancing soil quality and plant productivity under saline irrigation.