Maize straw biochar can alleviate heavy metals stress in potato by improving soil health

Application of biochar is an effective and ecologically friendly approach to boost plant growth by activating the enzymatic defense system and improving soil health in metal-polluted soils. Present study aimed at evaluating the various concentrations of soil-applied maize straw biochar (control, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10% w/w) to improve potato growth by the mediation of antioxidant defense system and soil health. Results showed that application of biochar in soil significantly enhanced plant growth by optimizing chlorophyll, enzymatic antioxidants, and soil enzymatic activities. Biochar application at a 7% (w/w) registered better performance as compared to control among all the treatments. Optimum rate of biochar significantly increased the leaf, stem, and tuber quality attributes by decreasing the accumulation of proline, malondialdehyde content, and bioaccumulation of Cu, Pb, Cd, and As in various plant parts of potato plant. The higher soil enzyme activities and essential nutrients were observed when 7% biochar was applied. Thus biochar could better remediate potentially toxic metal-contaminated soils and promote potato crop yield in times when food security is becoming a serious concern due to climate change. In crux, maize straw biochar addition in soil is useful for better plant growth, improvement in antioxidative defense system, and better quality of potato.