Investigating the Influence of Biochar and Salicylic Acid on Maize (Zea mays L.) Performance and Physiological Responses Under Salinity Stress Conditions

This study examined the ways in which salicylic acid and biochar can improve maize development in the face of salt stress. Three replicates were used in the factorial, fully randomized design of the greenhouse experiment. For each factor, three levels of treatments were used: biochar (0%, 0.6%, and 1.2%), salicylic acid (0, 0.75, and 1.5 mM), and salinity stress (caused by NaCl at 0, 4, and 8 dS/m). The dried leaves and stems of date palms were used to make the biochar. The findings indicated that, in comparison to the control, salt stress decreased plant height by around 40%, dry weight of the shoot by 60%, dry weight of the roots by 51%, chlorophyll content of leaves by 3%, and grain production by 38%. Notably, the greatest concentrations of biochar (1.2%) & salicylic acid (1.5%) considerably enhanced all growth indices and reduced the activities of peroxidase and catalase enzymes at a salinity index of 4 dS/m, therefore mitigating the negative impacts of salinity. Salicylic acid and biochar together helped sustain elevated levels of the investigated features even in the most extreme salinity levels (8 dS/m) as compared with the treatment absent these additions. To sum up, the results suggest using 1.2% biochar in conjunction with 1.5 mM of salicylic acid to enhance maize growth in circumstances when exposed to mild stress from salinity (4 dS/m).