Author(s):

Priyanka Rani, Harshita Nayar, Sumit Rai, Saroj Kumar Prasad and Rajesh Kumar Singh

Abstract: Biochar is used as soil amendment and soil conditioner that can be used for enhancing soil water storage which may increase soil fertility and sustain crop production. The main objective of this review is to emphasise the potential effects of biochar in alleviating soil moisture stress or drought condition and future prospect of the role of biochar under drought. Moisture stress negatively affect soil fertilityand plant growth. Application of biochar, carbonised biomassdeveloped from combustion (between 300 and 1000⁰c) of biomass underlimited oxygen supply, ameliorates the negative effects ofdrought on plants. The biochar application increasedthe plant growth, biomass, and yield underdrought and also increased photosynthesis,nutrient uptake, and modified gas exchange characteristics inmoisture stressed plants. Under drought stress, biocharincreased the water holding capacity of soil, increasing plant water status, decreased Na + uptake, and increased K+ uptake by plants, regulation of stomatal conductance and phytohormones thus improved thephysical, chemical and biological properties of soil. Therefore, Biochar when utilized correctly, can be an important agricultural tool used to increase nutrients and organic resources in moisture stressed or depleted soils. This is because the lumps of biochar are full of holes (Honey comb like) and crevices that help serve as habitats for soil microorganisms.

Pages: 299-307  |  1525 Views  685 Downloads

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