Growth Response of Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Its Physiological Properties and Soil Enzyme Activities after Biochar Application under Greenhouse Conditions

Dilfuza Jabborova,Islam H El Azab,Mohamed M El-Mogy,Mohamed F M Ibrahim,Amr Elkelish,Mosab Halwani,Stephan Wirth

doi:10.3390/horticulturae7080250

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of biochar (1%, 2%, and 3%) on seed germination, plant growth, root morphological characteristics, and physiological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and soil enzymatic activities. Pot experiments under greenhouse conditions at 24 °C (day) and 16 °C (night) showed after six weeks that biochar additions of 2% and 3% significantly increased seed germination, plant height, leaf length, leaf number, as well as shoot and root dry weights compared to the control. Total root length significantly increased by 30%, 47%, and 74%, with increasing biochar contents (1%, 2%, and 3%) compared to the control. Root surface area, projected area, root diameter, and root volume reached a maximum at the 3% biochar treatment. The treatment with 2% biochar significantly increased fluorescein diacetate hydrolase and phenoloxidase activities by 33% and 59% compared to the control; so did the addition of 3% biochar, which significantly increased fluorescein diacetate hydrolases, phenoloxidase, and acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterase activity in soil compared to the control. Treatment with 3% biochar increased relative water content by 8%, chlorophyll content by 35%, and carotenoid content by 43% compared to the control. These results suggest that biochar can improve the performance of the rhizome of ginger and increase the activity of soil enzymes, thereby improving soil nutrient supply.

Highlights

Biochar application generally increased seed germination compared to the control
The results of this study showed that the 3% biochar treatment significantly increased root diameter and projected area compared to all treatments
Our study further showed that biochar treatment positively affected plant physiological parameters, such as chlorophyll content and carotenoid content, which reached a maximum of 3% biochar treatment compared to the control

Summary

Introduction

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is an important herb and spice plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. The rhizome of ginger is significant for health and is considered effective against several ailments or disease-related manifestations such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness [1,2,3]. Ginger is attributed with antitumorigenic and immunomodulatory effects. It serves as an antimicrobial, antiviral agent, is considered a potent analgesic and stimulant, and controls various diseases such as high cholesterol and blood pressure [4,5]. Ginger is used to treat a wide range of ailments such as stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, asthma, and respiratory diseases [6]. The production of ginger as a nutrient-exhaustive crop requires an adequate supply of nutrients [7]

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Conclusion