Biochar Improved Sugarcane Growth and Physiology under Salinity Stress
Ngoc-Thang Vu, Khuynh The Bui, Thi-Thuy-Hang Vu, Thu-Huyen Nguyen, Thi-Tuyet-Cham Le, Anh‐Tuan Tran, Ngoc-Lan Vu, Van-Quang Tran, Van-Giang Tong, Xuan-Truong Nguyen, Hwi-Chan Yang, Soon‐Jae Lee, Youngho Kim, Yunhyeong Bae, Soonjae Hyeon, Dinh Thai Hoang, Dong-Cheol Jang
Abstract
Biochar is suggested as a conditioner for salt-affected soils for various crops. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biochar on the growth and physiology of sugarcane under saline and non-saline conditions at an early growth stage. The experiment was conducted in pots in the greenhouses with three replications. Three biochar rates (0, 5, and 10 tons ha−1) were applied before transplanting sugarcane seedlings into the pots. Four weeks after transplanting, plants were irrigated with 300 mL of 100 mM NaCl every two days for 2 weeks. Salinity significantly affected the growth and physiology of sugarcanes. The application of biochar increased plant height, shoot dry weight, root volume, root dry weight, Fv/Fm, and chlorophyll content while decreasing the water saturation deficit and the relative ion leakage in the leaves under both saline and non-saline conditions. Thus, biochar application has positive effects on the growth and physiology of sugarcane at an early growth stage under both saline and non-saline conditions. However, further study is suggested to investigate the effects of biochar on sugarcane under saline stress in the field at different growth stages.