Evaluation of biochar on quality and yield of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) under cadmium stress conditions

Industrial developments and population growth all over the world have caused soil pollution and the increase of heavy metals in the soil, and it is necessary to provide solutions to reduce the absorption of heavy metals by plants. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted on spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) in the research greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, for ۲ years (۲۰۱۸-۲۰۱۹) to determine the effect of biochar on soil and plants after two years. The experiment was conducted as a factorial in the form of a completely randomized design in three replications. The research treatments included biochar at two levels (۰ and ۵% volume/volume) and cadmium at four levels (۰, ۱۰, ۲۰, ۳۰ mg/l). The results showed that the highest dry weight of shoot (۳.۵۴ g/plant) was observed in the mutual effects of biochar and no cadmium use. Plant yield decreased in treatments with cadmium, and in general, biochar increased spinach yield compared to the control, and as a soil amendment, it was a good choice to increase spinach growth. Biochar reduced catalase enzyme activity by ۶۲.۵%, ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activity by ۳۲.۶۰% and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity by ۵۸.۸۶% compared to the control. Also, ۳۰ mg/l cadmium treatment increased catalase enzyme activity by ۸۷.۵%, ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activity by ۴۱.۰۷%, and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity by ۸۷.۴۶% compared to the control. Therefore, the use of biochar in reducing the effects of cadmium stress is recommended.

کلیدواژه ها:

Soil pollution ، Soil amendment ، Enzyme activities ، Heavy metals ، آلودگی خاک ، اصلاح کننده خاک ، فعالیت های آنزیمی ، فلزات سنگین