Enhancing Soil Health and Plant Growth by Mitigating Soil Contamination with Nanobiochar Amendments"

Abstract

The escalating issue of soil contamination in various Egyptian regions is primarily attributed to the use of low-quality irrigation water. This study focused on addressing this concern by employing nano biochar derived from sugar bagasse and olive mill waste. The addition rates were 0%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8% to assess its efficacy in reducing soil contamination. Sugar bagasse, a unique nanostructure with high catalytic activity, is more effective than olive mill waste for soil and plant growth. In addition, the best addition rate, 0.8%, for enhancing soil properties such as pH, EC, OM and CEC was 7.7, 1.2 dSm-1, 1.1% and 28.5 cmmole.kg-1, respectively. Nano biochar progressively reduced the levels of the target trace elements, such as Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni and Mo, in the soil over time from 27.3, 12.4, 17.6, 3.9 and 12.6 mg, respectively. kg-1 to 17.5, 7.78, 5.4, 0.95 and 1.82 mg. kg-1. The soil available N, P, and K concentrations increased significantly, and the availability of beneficial trace elements such as Fe and Mn increased in the soils. Biochars enhance soil structure, microbial activity, nutrient retention, and nutrient cycling. The surface characteristics and reactivity of nanobiochar control soil nutrient availability. The soil available Fe concentrations increased from 22.11 to 26.37 mg. kg-1 to 22.11 to 23.87 mg.kg-1. Mn concentrations increased from 153.9 to 156.17 mg. Depending on the particular soil variables and agricultural objectives, biochar or nanobiochar may be preferred; however, both treatments offer significant advantages for plant development and soil health.