Analysis of Biochar Addition in Improving Tomato Morpho-Physiological Traits and Water Productivity in Greenhouse

Enhancing the utilization of water in desert areas, including Saudi Arabia, has become essential for achieving agricultural sustainability. Biochar effectively mitigates ecological stresses through retaining water, altering soil properties, and providing nutrients for plant growth. This study aimed to examine the impacts of biochar addition on morpho-physiological characteristics, yield, and water productivity (WP) in greenhouses under drought stress conditions. The experiment combined three levels of deficit irrigation (DI)-40, 60, and 80% ETc-as well as two rates of biochar (BC)-BC3% and BC5% <i>w</i>/<i>w</i> (1.28 and 2.13 kg m^-2, respectively, for planted area); the control was 100% ETc and untreated soil (BC0%). The results indicated that water deficit hurt the plants' morpho-physiological characteristics and crop yield. For instance, irrigation water shortage decreased yield by 30.88% at 40% ETc compared to the control (100% ETc). However, DI improved WP by 72.80% at 40% ETc compared to the control. The interaction between DI and BC positively affected morphological, physiological, yield, and WP. For instance, the highest rate of biochar (BC5%) increased yield by 11.92% at 80% ETc compared to untreated plants (BC0%). Similarly, tomato plants treated with 5% biochar under the lowest irrigation level of 40% ETc achieved the highest increase in WP (79.33%) compared to the control (100% ETc and BC0%). In general, DI combined with BC could improve morpho-physiological attributes and yield while increasing the WP of tomato plants in arid and semi-arid regions.