A systematic study on synergistic effect of biochar-compost in improving soil function and reducing cadmium toxicity in Spinacia oleracea L

With its direct or indirect reliance on agriculture for a living, the Indian economy is heavily dependent on this industry. Food insecurity is a result of decreased agriculture productivity due to growing contamination and pollution. Biochar is an organic carbon bound environment friendly material known for enhancing soil functions and plant growth. On the other hand, compost is an organic, nutrient-rich product that is formed by an aerobic process and is used as an amendment. Both of these have numerous benefits as amendment in the soil-plant system. This is a complete study on the effects of applying biochar and compost separately and in combination at ratios of 0 %, 1 %, and 2 % in a cadmium contaminated soil (0 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg Cd). Their effect was studied on the soil characteristics, seed germination, morphology, photosynthetic pigments, oxidative stress, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity in spinach plant grown in contaminated soil in Chhattisgarh state, India. The results depicted that combination of biochar and compost was beneficial in improving soil-plant productivity. Compost and biochar mixtures improved the soil quality and decreased Cd concentration. When comparing the biochar-compost combination to either biochar or compost alone, the plant morphological changes and chlorophyll content increased to a greater extent in their combined application. Proline content and enzymatic activities were similarly enhanced in the biochar-compost mixture. Their amendment showed effective potential in improving spinach growth and development in the polluted soil. [Display omitted] •Biochar improved morphology, pigments, and antioxidant properties of the plant.•Biochar with compost reduced cadmium uptake in the soil significantly.•The combined application decreased cadmium uptake in the plant leaves.•The effectiveness of the Biochar was enhanced by applying compost.•The combination was more effective in improvement of soil-plant system.