Effects of biochar and rice straw application on rice (Oryza Sativa L.) growth, yield, and cadmium accumulation in contaminated soil

• Published in: Vegetos - International journal of plant research 2024-02, Vol.37 (1), p.404-411
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Thi Ngoc Dinh, Vu, Khac Thi, Nguyen, Thi Hang Nga, Nguyen, Thi Phuong, Pham, Nhat Khanh, Nguyen, Thi Giang, Rumanzi, Mbaraka Saidi, Nguyen, Loc V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Life Sciences; Plant Anatomy/Development; Plant Breeding/Biotechnology; Plant Physiology
• ISSN: 2229-4473; 2229-4473
• DOI: 10.1007/s42535-023-00604-6

Several studies have explored the potential role of biochar and crop straws in soil and crop production improvement, and limiting the negative impact of heavy metal accumulation in contaminated soils. This study was conducted to assess the effects of combining biochar and rice straw on soil cadmium contamination, rice growth, yield, and cadmium (Cd) accumulation in rice ( Oryza sativa L.). We performed a pot experiment using cadmium-contaminated soil in the greenhouse at the Faculty of Environment, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, in the Summer and Spring seasons of 2020 and 2021, respectively. A Randomized Complete Block Design was used with seven treatments namely; T1 (control: no biochar or rice straw applied), T2 (2.5% biochar (w/w)); T3 (5% biochar), T4 (2.5% rice straw), T5 (rice straw 5%) and T6 (1.25% biochar + 1.25% rice straw) and T7 (5% biochar + 5% rice straw). Data were collected on plant growth, yield and yield components, and Cd accumulation in shoots, roots and rice grains. Our results indicated that the 5% biochar treatment (T3) showed a significantly higher yield of rice and better plant growth than the rest of the treatments. Furthermore, the accumulated Cd content in seeds from the 5% biochar treatment was within the safe threshold in the summer 2020 and spring 2021 seasons (FAO/WHO standard). Based on our results, the 5% biochar application dose has the potential to promote rice production, and its continuous application can amend the cadmium-contaminated soils by reducing Cd accumulation in rice grains.