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Exploring the benefits of biochar over other organic amendments for reducing of metal toxicity in Withania somnifera

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Abstract

Biochar is considered as a good metal sequester and ameliorates the metal toxicity and uptake in plants. However, its effectiveness over other organic amendments is not well discussed. The aim of this study is to compare the biochar amendments alleviating the levels of Pb and Cd in Withania somnifera L. Dunal with other organic manure. Farmyard manure, vermicompost, and biochar were applied in the field spiked with highly available Pb and Cd. Metal bioavailability and accumulation, plant growth and plant physiology, antioxidant enzymes and metabolite content of W. somnifera along with soil properties were evaluated in all treatments. Study indicates that the application of organic manures significantly alleviated the metal levels (33–72%) in the plant in comparison with control. The herbage yield was significantly higher (33–69%) under different organic manures as compared to the metal treatments. Secondary metabolite contents and antioxidant enzymes were higher in metal treatments in comparison with control. Organic manures were not only able to restrain the Pb and Cd in soil but also enhanced the soil microbial activities. Results indicate that biochar amendments were more promising than farmyard manure and vermicompost due to the presence of more stable carbon in biochar and more alleviation in metal uptake. In addition, net profit in the cultivation of W. somnifera was higher for biochar amendments (50% higher) compared to control. The study recommended that biochar could be a better option for commercial and safer production of W. somnifera.

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Acknowledgment

Authors are also thankful to the Director of CSIR-CIMAP for his encouragement. Authors are thankful to CSIR for financial assistance in HCP-010.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Agronomy and Soil Science Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O.- CIMAP, Near Kukrail Picnic Spot, Lucknow, 226015, India

    Nidhi Nigam, Vineet Yadav, Puja Khare, Raghuvendra Pratap Singh & Paurabi Das

  2. Analytical Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India

    Karuna Shanker

  3. Technology and Business Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India

    Ram Suresh Sharma

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  1. Nidhi Nigam
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  2. Vineet Yadav
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Correspondence to Puja Khare.

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Nigam, N., Yadav, V., Khare, P. et al. Exploring the benefits of biochar over other organic amendments for reducing of metal toxicity in Withania somnifera. Biochar 1, 293–307 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42773-019-00023-4

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