Growth Response of Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Its Physiological Properties and Soil Enzyme Activities after Biochar Application under Greenhouse Conditions

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of biochar (1%, 2%, and 3%) on seed germination, plant growth, root morphological characteristics, and physiological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and soil enzymatic activities. Pot experiments under greenhouse conditions at 24 °C (day) and 16 °C (night) showed after six weeks that biochar additions of 2% and 3% significantly increased seed germination, plant height, leaf length, leaf number, as well as shoot and root dry weights compared to the control. Total root length significantly increased by 30%, 47%, and 74%, with increasing biochar contents (1%, 2%, and 3%) compared to the control. Root surface area, projected area, root diameter, and root volume reached a maximum at the 3% biochar treatment. The treatment with 2% biochar significantly increased fluorescein diacetate hydrolase and phenoloxidase activities by 33% and 59% compared to the control; so did the addition of 3% biochar, which significantly increased fluorescein diacetate hydrolases, phenoloxidase, and acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterase activity in soil compared to the control. Treatment with 3% biochar increased relative water content by 8%, chlorophyll content by 35%, and carotenoid content by 43% compared to the control. These results suggest that biochar can improve the performance of the rhizome of ginger and increase the activity of soil enzymes, thereby improving soil nutrient supply.

Interactive Impact of Biochar and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal on Root Morphology, Physiological Properties of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) and Soil Enzymatic Activities

“…Zhang et al [25] reported that the composition of biochar includes carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and lower nutrient elements, such as K, Ca, Na, and Mg. It plays an important role in soil nutrient availability, adsorption, and soil enzyme activity [26][27][28][29]. He et al [30] indicated that biochar enhanced the absorption of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) by tomato.…”

Response of Seeds, Oil Yield and Fatty Acids Percentage of Jojoba Shrub Strain EAI to Mycorrhizal Fungi and Moringa Leaves Extract

“…This improvement is due to the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in increasing absorption of water and nutrients, and enhances transport of immobile mineral elements through exploring larger volumes of the soil by mycorrhizal hyphae to stimulate the growth of plants [46]. These results are in harmony with studies by Davies et al [17] on pepper, Ruiz-Lozano and Azcon [18] on lettuce, Auge et al [19] on the common bean, Ruiz-Lozano et al [20] on soybean, Ortas [21] on maize, wheat and cotton, Roldan et al [23] on juniperus, Ortas and Rattan [24] on pepper, wheat and maize, Tobar et al [25] on lettuce, Igiehon et al [26] on soybean, Jabborova et al [27] on spinach, Jabborova et al [28] on ginger, Zewail et al [29] on stevia and Ortas [47] on twelve plant species.…”

“…In addition, mycorrhizal fungi increase the resistance to drought and salinity stresses as well as pests and soil-borne diseases and improve growth and osmotic adjustment through stimulating the production of growth-regulating substances [16]. In this field, many studies such as those by Davies et al [17] on pepper, Ruiz-Lozano and Azcon [18] on lettuce, Auge et al [19] on the common bean, Ruiz-Lozano et al [20] on soybean, Ortas [21] on maize, wheat and cotton, Karandashov and Bucher [22], Roldan et al [23] on Juniperus, Ortas and Rattan [24] on pepper, wheat and maize, Tobar et al [25] on lettuce, Igiehon et al [26] on soybean, Jabborova et al [27] on spinach, Jabborova et al [28] on ginger and Zewail et al [29] on stevia were conducted.…”

Composition of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger), Soil Properties and Soil Enzyme Activities Grown in Different Concentration of Mineral Fertilizers

“…India is the top country for spices supply in the global market, followed by several other countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Australia, Spain, Egypt, and Tanzania. Herbal plants are a major source of traditional medicine and modern medicine and play a major role in the world [3][4][5][6][7]. Ginger is one of the most popular, high valued spices and is well known in human communities of the world [8].…”