Effects of Biochar Amended Saline Soil on Growth and Some Metabolic Activities of Two Soybean Cultivars in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Application of biochar to soil additionally restores soil Carbon and nutrients lost from bioenergy cropping systems as a result of biomass harvesting. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of biochar amended saline soil on plant growth, leaf chlorophyll, soil mineral contents and some physiological parameters of two Soybean cultivars in Saudi Arabia. The obtained results showed that plant height, fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll a and b content of both varieties (Giza-111 and Clark) were inhibited in saline soil while enhanced in biochar one which derived from Pomegranate trees or biochar two which obtained from acacia trees. The highest value of carbohydrate and protein contents observed in Giza-111 with the compare to Clark cultivars under salinity conditions. It was concluded that soybean is a sensitive plant to salinity stress, but the extent of this sensitivity varies among cultivars. As a result, Giza-111 cultivar showed more capability to survive under salinity condition compared with another variety regarding of almost all plant parameter examined. Considering, biochar one was found more appropriate under salinity condition.