Biochar Application and Drought Stress Effects on Physiological Characteristics of Silybum marianum |
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| Authors: | R Keshavarz Afshar M Hashemi M DaCosta J Spargo A Sadeghpour |
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| Institution: | 1. Eastern Agricultural Research Center, Montana State University, Sidney, Montana, USA;2. Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran;3. Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA;4. Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA;5. Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA |
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| Abstract: | Soil amending with biochar has been viewed as a sustainable way to improve soil moisture holding capacity. The potential of biochar application to improve water status of crops under drought stress has not been extensively evaluated. In this study, we evaluated the impact of biochar application (0%, 1%, and 2% w/w soil) on some important physiological traits of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn) under moderate and severe drought stress conditions in a controlled environment. Although, the application of biochar at the higher rate slightly improved soil moisture holding capacity, the magnitude of its effect was not sufficient to influence plant performance under drought stress. To get the positive effects of biochar application on milk thistle performance under drought stress, application with higher rates is probably necessary. |
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| Keywords: | Chlorophyll content medicinal plants proline soil water content water use efficiency |
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