Role of Acacia bark biochar in the growth of Ocimum basilicum L. under cadmium stress

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Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) soil contamination is a worldwide concern. Biochar, produced from organic waste, can improve soil quality in polluted areas. The present studies investigated the impact of biochar on cadmium uptake, biochemical and morpho-physiological parameters of Ocimum basilicum L. leaves under cadmium stress. A Pot study was conducted using a factorial experiment fitted into complete randomized design. This experimental design included three biochar treatments (control, 1%, and 2% of 2.5 kg soil) and three cadmium concentrations (0, 25, and 50 mg/kg soil), with five replications for each condition. This study's findings indicate that biochar application positively influenced morphological traits, relative water content, photosynthetic pigments, and catalase activity of O. basilicum plants subjected to cadmium stress. Additionally, application of biochar led to a reduction in total soluble sugars (23%), antioxidant activity (26%), total phenolic content, proline levels, soluble protein concentrations, electrolyte leakage, guaiacol peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities, as well as cadmium levels and target hazard quotient (THQ). Biochar use led to a reduction in THQ across all cadmium treatments. When the level of cadmium was at its highest (50 mg/kg), 2% biochar addition resulted in a 29.93% reduction in THQ compared to the treatment without biochar treatment. This study offers pragmatic options for amendment of contaminated soils, the augmentation of crop productivity, and the assurance of safe herb production. The integration of eco-friendly biochar technology with medicinal crop management connects agronomy, environmental science, and amendment, providing scalable options for sustainable agriculture.

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