Effect of hydrochar and HTC process water on sodic soil reclamation and pulse seedling growth

, P, and OC were observed using Pearson correlation analysis, supporting the hydrochar-mediated redistribution of cations. Additionally, a leach-out study shows 42.6% ESP reduction by hydrochar addition compared with gypsum application (21% ESP reduction). HTC process water at low concentrations (1%-3%) exhibited seed priming effects and increased the germination index over control by 39.2% in black gram, 7.7% in green gram and 14.4% in moth bean. Overall, this study demonstrates a circular, cost-effective strategy integrating hydrochar and processing water for sustainable sodic soil reclamation and improved crop establishment.