The effect of acid-modified biochar and inoculation with Pseudomonas putida on growth and physiological parameters of barley and characteristics of saline soil

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Plant Production Engineering and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 Department of Plant Ecophysiology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

3 Department of Soil Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

10.22034/saps.2026.69285.3409

Abstract

Objectives: In recent years, the combined application of biochar and plant growth-promoting bacteria has gained attention as a sustainable approach to improving the quality of saline soils and enhancing nutrient use efficiency.
Materials and Methods: A greenhouse pot experiment at Mohaghegh Ardabili University evaluated plain and acid-modified biochar (phosphoric, nitric), with/without Pseudomonas putida inoculation, using a randomized complete block design. Treatments’ effects on saline soil chemical properties and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) growth and physiology were assessed in a factorial arrangement with three replications.
Results: The highest values for pH, ECe, and soluble sodium were observed in the control treatment (without biochar), while biochar application significantly reduced these indicators by approximately 6%, 11.5%, and 31%, respectively. Biochar modification with H₃PO₄ provided the highest available phosphorus, while HNO₃ modification yielded the highest exchangeable potassium. Application of phosphoric acid–modified biochar increased leaf greenness index by about 27.5% and soluble sugar content by approximately 2.7 times compared with the control, while polyphenol oxidase activity decreased. The highest leaf proline (33 µmol g⁻¹ fresh weight) was observed in bacterial-inoculated pristine biochar. Inoculation with Pseudomonas putida improved the available soil phosphorus by approximately 26.6% compared to the control.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the positive effects of acid-modified biochar and bacterial inoculation in reducing the negative impacts of salinity and enhancing nutrient uptake by barley. These results can serve as a basis for developing sustainable soil management strategies for salt-affected soils.

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Sustainable Production

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 October 2027

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