Beneficial effects of biochar application on mitigating the drought and salinity stress implications on plants

Abstract

Biochar, an amorphous and highly porous carbonaceous substance derived from the thermal decomposition of organic matter, has been empirically proven to enhance soil water retention capacity, mitigate soil salinity, and augment nutrient bioavailability. Consequently, these improvements exert a stimulating influence on the growth and development of medicinal plants. Numerous scientific investigations have corroborated that the incorporation of biochar into the cultivation of medicinal flora can lead to increased plant biomass, heightened photosynthetic efficiency, and augmented accumulation of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the utilization of biochar exhibits the potential to curtail the necessity for chemical fertilizers, which can otherwise have deleterious effects on soil health and the environment. A comprehensive comprehension of biochar's prospective role as a sustainable, long-term strategy for augmenting the productivity and resilience of medicinal plant cultivation in arid and saline environments holds paramount importance for ensuring a consistent supply of medicinal plants in the forthcoming years. This review aims to delve into the mechanistic foundations underpinning the beneficial impacts of biochar on plant development and the accumulation of bioactive constituents. It also explores the feasibility of biochar as a sustainable instrument for enhancing the cultivation of medicinal plants under adverse environmental conditions.