Combined application of biochar and PGPR consortia for sustainable production of wheat under semiarid conditions with a reduced dose of synthetic fertilizer

Abstract

This study investigates the combined effect of locally adopted plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), biochar, and synthetic fertilizer on the wheat crop for the production and economic returns. A total of 20 PGPR strains were isolated from three different ecological zones of Pakistan and were evaluated. Of them, three isolates were selected for further studies. The treatments included (i) control with a full dose of the recommended fertilizer, (ii) control with half a dose of the fertilizer, (iii) PGPR consortia with half a dose of the fertilizer, (iv) biochar with half a dose of the fertilizer, and (v) PGPR + biochar with half a dose of the fertilizer. The study was repeated at three different locations. The data collected for leaf area index (LAI), grain yield, biological yield, straw yield, and harvest index (HI) revealed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) for the locations and treatments, but the interaction of location and treatments was not significant. Based on the productivity and economic returns, the treatment with PGPR + biochar with half a dose of the fertilizer proved to be the best. Thus, the use of the PGPR consortia and biochar can improve the yield and profit of wheat crop with reduced synthetic fertilization.

Differences in Physiological and Biochemical Attributes of Wheat in Response to Single and Combined Salicylic Acid and Biochar Subjected to Limited Water Irrigation in Saline Sodic Soil

“…Application of biochar to the soil is considered a practical approach to decrease soil moisture content because of its properties to get better soil hydrological parameters [ 39 ], which in turn enrich plant physiological and biochemical responses. It was of merit to perceive that biochar and SA coupled application had the uppermost intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) under water limiting condition in saline sodic soil [ 40 ]. The impact of biochar to avoid water deficit and soil salinity has been well documented.…”

“…Singular biochar treatment could decrease the soil bulk density and increase soil surface area owing to its porous structure, leading to increasing the capability to uptake and hold water [ 38 ]. Furthermore, [ 40 ] affirmed that biochar possibly increases soil aggregate stability and therefore increases soil water holding under water deficit. Likewise, [ 39 ] demonstrated that the biochar porous structure declined evapotranspiration and augmented aeration and soil water retention as well as diluted ions concentration under saline soil, thus stimulate an appropriate soil for crop development.…”

Interactive Effect of Biochar and Silicon on Improving Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Attributes of Maize by Reducing Drought Hazards

“…Biochar is a carbon-rich organic additive and having manifold benefits for soil such as reduced nutrient leaching, better soil physical, and chemical and microbiological properties in contaminated soils (Dzvene et al 2019;Ijaz et al 2019) enhances CEC by improving soil health. Biochar has found to be a viable approach to drought soils due to its properties to improve soil hydrological properties (Omondi et al 2016;Yu et al 2017) which in return improve plant physiological and biochemical response.…”

Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azospirillum brasilense Increase Yield and Fruit Quality of Tomato Under Field Conditions

“…co-inoculated in paddy rice (García de Salamone et al 2012). Ijaz et al (2019Ijaz et al ( , 2020 propose the use of PGPR consortia and biochar with reduced synthetic fertilization for maximizing wheat and peanut crop production as eco-friendly alternative.…”

“…Considering the above scenario, the use of plant growthpromoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in agriculture could be a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for crop fertilization by reducing the negative impact associated with the excessive use of chemical fertilizers (Glick 2014;Ijaz et al 2019Ijaz et al , 2020. PGPR exert a beneficial effect on plant growth through direct and indirect mechanisms.…”