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Assessing the Synergistic Effects of Biochar, Hydrogel, and Biofertilizer on Growth and Physiological traits of Wheat in Saline Environments

Dilfuza Jabborova, Zafarjon Jabborova, Tokhtasin Abdrakhmanov, Orzubek Fayzullaev, Baljeet Saharan, Kahkashan Perveen, Syed Zaka, Andrea Mastinu, Riyaz Sayyed

Abstract

Soil salinity affects plant growth and crop yield. This warrants the urgent need for sustainable management. This research aims to assess the impact of hydrogel, biochar, and biofertilizer on wheat physiology, yield, soil nutrients, and enzymes. The study was carried out at the dry bottom of the Aral Sea. The experimental design included hydrogel, biochar, biofertilizer (Yer malxami includes Azotobacter chroococcum, Pseudomonas putida, and Bacillus subtilis), and control treatments. After sixty days of sowing, plant growth metrics, physiological qualities, root morphological features, soil nutrients, and enzyme activities were measured. The findings revealed significant improvement in the growth of wheat following biofertilizer, hydrogel, and biochar treatments. Applying biofertilizer resulted in a notable increase in the total root length by 69.9%, root volume by 123.7%, and root diameter by 84.6%, as well as the highest chlorophyll a (Chl a) by 13.3%, chlorophyll b by 13.7% (Chl b) and total chlorophyll content by 13.1% compared to other treatments. Biofertilizer treatment significantly enhanced plant nitrogen (N) content by 16.0%, phosphorus (P) content by 94.7%, and potassium (K) content by 51.8% and increased the activities of soil enzymes such as catalase and invertase. It can be posited that the implementation of these soil amendments can mitigate the deleterious effects of saline conditions on wheat and can improve wheat growth under salinity stress.

FP24277  Accepted 25 March 2025

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