Improvement of Soil, Physiological Characteristics and Productivity of Rice using Biostimulants under Water stress

Abstract

Water stress detrimentally affects soil quality and crop development. The coupled of biochar and compost tea could be a promising strategy for improving soil quality, crop development as well as the productivity of rice plants. Our investigation was performed in split block design to appraise the impact of coupling addition of biochar with compost tea for mitigating the increasing of irrigation intervals (6 days (I1), 9 days (I2), and 12 days (I3)) in rice (Oryza sativa L. Giza 179) during 2022 and 2023 seasons. It was found that the coupled addition of biochar and Compost tea further improved exchangeable sodium percentage and soil enzymes than sole application. In addition, no difference significance was found between irrigation periods every 6 days (I1) and 9 days (I2) and coupled treatment. Consequently, the coupled application enhanced physiological attributes (RWC relative water content and gsstomatal conductance) while decrement proline content due to the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (CATcatalase, Ascorbate peroxidase (APX, and PODperoxidase). Accordingly, the greatest findings were obtained with the integrative use of biochar and compost tea. In conclusion, the integrated application of biochar and Compost tea might be promising efforts for reinforcing soil, physiological characteristics and productivity of rice under environmental stressors conditions.