Effect of tea waste biochar and zeolite on maize growth and glyphosate uptake irrigated with glyphosate contaminated water

Excessive application and continuous use of glyphosate herbicide negatively affect plant growth. In addition to damaging soil health in agricultural systems, it disrupts protein synthesis, nutrient cycle, chlorophyll decrease, and photosynthesis, leading to slow growth and decreased plant mass. TWBC can significantly enhance plant growth by improving soil structure, encouraging water retention, and enhancing microbial activity as a slow-release nutrient. Zeolite is a natural mineral that retains essential nutrients, prevents soil leaching, and enhances soil structure, aeration, and water-holding capacity, thereby promoting plant growth. Its buffering capacity changes soil pH, ensuring optimal nutrient acquisition. This study examines the combined effect of TWBC with ZL as a supplement to enhance maize growth under glyphosate stress. Treatments included control, 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.60%, and 1.20% TWBC, applied with 0% and 5% ZL using a completely randomized design in three replications. The combination of 0.60% TWBC with 5% ZL led to an increase in maize plant height (44.91%), root length (49.69%), shoot fresh weight (44.21%), shoot dry weight (58.47%), root fresh weight (52.55%), and root dry weight (62.50%) compared to the control. Additionally, a significant increase in leaf N (23.50%), P (29.09%), and K (17.24%) was observed, while a decrease in glyphosate concentration (88.89%) under glyphosate stress validated the effect of 0.60% TWBC with 5% ZL treatment. In conclusion, the findings suggest that a 0.60% TWBC with 5% ZL is the most effective amendment for enhancing plant growth and mitigating glyphosate stress in maize plants.