Biochar and AMF Improve Growth, Physiological Traits, Nutrients of Turmeric and Soil Biochemical Properties in Drought Stress

Drought is one of the main problems in the world affecting the yields of plants. Climate change has led to increased droughts affecting food security and sustainable development goals (SDGs) targets. Applying biochar and Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can effectively increase soil fertility and crop yields under drought conditions. This study highlighted the impact of biochar and AMF on the growth of turmeric, nutrients and physiological properties under drought stress. Turmeric plants were grown under water stress in a net house. Four treatments used for the experiments included control (only soil), biochar, AMF, and combined treatment with biochar and AMF. For the pot experiments, 1% biochar was mixed with soil. AMF contained 100 spores/g and 1200 IP/g. Maximum improvement in rhizome biomass, rhizome number and availability of plant nutrients was observed after the co-application of biochar and AMF. Significant improvement in microbial biomass and AMF spore numbers was also observed in the soil exposed to biochar + AMF. Applying biochar and AMF in combination under water stress significantly enhanced fluorescein diacetate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activity in the soil compared to control. Results suggested that co-supplementation of biochar and AMF can promote soil nutrients along with turmeric's growth parameters and physiological properties in water stress.