Register      Login
Crop and Pasture Science Crop and Pasture Science Society
Plant sciences, sustainable farming systems and food quality
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Silicon and zinc nanoparticles-enriched miscanthus biochar enhanced seed germination, antioxidant defense system, and nutrient status of radish under NaCl stress

Zuhha Taqdees A , Javairia Khan A , Waqas-ud-Din Khan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6704-3887 A B * , Salma Kausar C , Muhammad Afzaal A and Imran Akhtar D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Sustainable Development Study Centre, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan.

B Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.

C Soil and Water Testing Laboratory, Lodhran, 59320, Pakistan.

D Entomology Section, Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan.

* Correspondence to: dr.waqasuddin@gcu.edu.pk

Handling Editor: Shahid Hussain

Crop & Pasture Science 73(5) 556-572 https://doi.org/10.1071/CP21342
Submitted: 18 May 2021  Accepted: 27 September 2021   Published: 24 February 2022

© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing

Abstract

Context: Soil salinity mitigation with nanoparticles enriched biochar (Bc) can be a better strategy to resolve the uprising threat against food security.

Aim: The present study was designed to prepare silicon nanoparticles enriched biochar (Si-En-Bc) and zinc nanoparticles enriched biochar (Zn-En-Bc), which may not only reduced the toxic effects of NaCl stress on initial growth of radish crop but also improved its physiology and defensive mechanism.

Method: Seeds were germinated in pots with six treatments under normal and NaCl stress, (100 mM NaCl), Zn-En-Bc (1% w/w), and Si-En-Bc (1% w/w). Twenty days old seedlings were harvested and their fresh weight and various germination and biochemical parameters were tested.

Key results: A significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents was observed with Si-En-Bc + NaCl relative to NaCl stress. It might be due to the significant increase in the antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) (42%), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (38.7%), catalase (CAT) (30.9%) and shoot phenolics (59%) with Si-En-Bc + NaCl over NaCl stress. Application of Zn-En-Bc also caused a maximum increase in root and shoot Zn concentration (76.8 and 54.9%, respectively) under NaCl stress.

Conclusions: Hence, Si-En-Bc proved to be the best treatment for the radish plant to complete its early growth stage under NaCl stress while Zn-En-Bc not only compensated NaCl stress but also enhanced Zn availability.

Implications: This study implies that Si-En-Bc or Zn-En-Bc should be applied to the salt affected soil before the crop sowing so seedling can grow under the ameliorative effects of applied amendments. Also, Si-En-Bc or Zn-En-Bc should be tested on a degraded soils at larage scale such as field level.

Keywords: antioxidant, biochar, mineral nutrition, NaCl stress, nanoparticles enriched biochar, phenolics, protein, radish, vitality index.


References

Abdel-Haleem A, El-Shaieny H (2015) Seed germination percentage and early seedling establishment of five Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp) genotypes under salt stress. European Journal of Experimental Biology 5, 22–32.

Agbna GHD, Ali AB, Bashir AK, Eltoum F, Hassan MM (2017) Influence of biochar amendment on soil water characteristics and crop growth enhancement under salinity stress. International Journal of Engineering Works 4, 49–54.
Influence of biochar amendment on soil water characteristics and crop growth enhancement under salinity stress.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ahmad R, Hussain S, Anjum MA, Khalid MF, Saqib M, Zakir I, Hassan A, Fahad S, Ahmad S (2019) Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms in plants under salt stress. In ‘Plant abiotic stress tolerance’. (Eds M Hasanuzzaman, KR Hakeem, K Nahar, HF Alharby) pp. 191–205. (Springer: Cham, Switzerland)

Akhavan HT, Pourakbar L, Rahmani F, Alipour H (2020) Effects of ZnO NPs on phenolic compounds of rapeseed seeds under salinity stress. Journal of Plant Process and Function 8, 11–18.

Al-Wasfy MM (2013) Response of Sakkoti date palms to foliar application of royal jelly, silicon and vitamins B. Journal of American Science 9, 315–321.

Ali MAM, Ramezani A, Far SM, Sadat KA, Moradi-Ghahderijani M, Jamian SS (2013) Application of silicon ameliorates salinity stress in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants. International Journal of Agriculture and Crop Sciences (IJACS) 6, 1367–1372.

Allison LE, Moodie CD (1965) Carbonate. In ‘Methods soil analysis part 2: chemical and microbiological properties’. (Ed. CA Black) pp. 1379–1396. (American Society of Agronomy: Madison, WI, USA)

Almutairi ZM (2016) Effect of nano-silicon application on the expression of salt tolerance genes in germinating tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings under salt stress. Plant Omics 9, 106–114.

Amiripour A, Ghanbari M, Souri MK, Mohammadi Torkasvand A (2021) Silicon stimulates physiochemical properties of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) to improve growth and yield under salt stress. Journal of Medicinal Plants and By-product
Silicon stimulates physiochemical properties of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) to improve growth and yield under salt stress.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Anwar GA, Mandozai A, Feng J (2020) Effects of biochar amendment on soil problems and improving rice production under salinity conditions. Advanced Journal of Graduate Research 7, 45–63.
Effects of biochar amendment on soil problems and improving rice production under salinity conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ashraf M Ashraf M (2010) Alleviation of detrimental effects of NaCl by silicon nutrition in salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant genotypes of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). Plant and Soil 326, 381–391.
Alleviation of detrimental effects of NaCl by silicon nutrition in salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant genotypes of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Azad H, Fazeli Nasab B, Sobhanizade A (2017) A study into the effect of jasmonic and humic acids on some germination characteristics of rosselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seed under salinity stress. Iranian Journal of Seed Research 4, 1–18.
A study into the effect of jasmonic and humic acids on some germination characteristics of rosselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seed under salinity stress.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Azlina HN, Hasnidawani JN, Norita H, Surip SN (2016) Synthesis of SiO2 nanostructures using sol-gel method. Acta Physica Polonica A 129, 842–844.
Synthesis of SiO2 nanostructures using sol-gel method.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bradford MM (1976) A rapid and sensitive method for the quantitation of microgram quantities of protein utilizing the principle of protein-dye binding. Analytical Biochemistry 72, 248–254.
A rapid and sensitive method for the quantitation of microgram quantities of protein utilizing the principle of protein-dye binding.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 942051PubMed |

Broadley M, Brown P, Cakmak I, Rengel Z, Zhao F (2012) Function of nutrients: micronutrients. In ‘Mineral nutrition of higher plants’, 3rd edn. (Ed. P Marschner) pp. 191–248. (Academic Press: San Diego, CA, USA)

Cakmak I, Marschner H (1992) Magnesium deficiency and high light intensity enhance activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase in bean leaves. Plant Physiology 98, 1222–1227.
Magnesium deficiency and high light intensity enhance activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase in bean leaves.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16668779PubMed |

Chaganti VN, Crohn DM, Šimůnek J (2015) Leaching and reclamation of a biochar and compost compost amended saline–sodic soil with moderate SAR reclaimed water. Agricultural Water Management 158, 255–265.
Leaching and reclamation of a biochar and compost compost amended saline–sodic soil with moderate SAR reclaimed water.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chen D, Cao B, Qi L, Yin L, Wang S, Deng X (2016) Silicon-moderated K-deficiency-induced leaf chlorosis by decreasing putrescine accumulation in sorghum. Annals of Botany 118, 305–315.
Silicon-moderated K-deficiency-induced leaf chlorosis by decreasing putrescine accumulation in sorghum.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 27325899PubMed |

Chia CH, Singh BP, Joseph S, Graber ER, Munroe P (2014) Characterization of an enriched biochar. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis 108, 26–34.
Characterization of an enriched biochar.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Coskun D, Britto DT, Jean Y-K, Schulze LM, Becker A, Kronzucker HJ (2012) Silver ions disrupt K+ homeostasis and cellular integrity in intact barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) roots. Journal of Experimental Botany 63, 151–162.
Silver ions disrupt K+ homeostasis and cellular integrity in intact barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) roots.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21948852PubMed |

Dad FP, Khan W-U-D, Tanveer M, Ramzani PMA, Shaukat R, Muktadir A (2021) Influence of iron-enriched biochar on Cd sorption, its ionic concentration and redox regulation of radish under cadmium toxicity. Agriculture 11, 1
Influence of iron-enriched biochar on Cd sorption, its ionic concentration and redox regulation of radish under cadmium toxicity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Daneshvar N, Aber S, Seyed Dorraji MS, Khataee AR, Rasoulifard MH (2007) Photocatalytic degradation of the insecticide diazinon in the presence of prepared nanocrystalline ZnO powders under irradiation of UV-C light. Separation and Purification Technology 58, 91–98.
Photocatalytic degradation of the insecticide diazinon in the presence of prepared nanocrystalline ZnO powders under irradiation of UV-C light.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Elliott CL, Snyder GH (1991) Autoclave-induced digestion for the colorimetric determination of silicon in rice straw. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 39, 1118–1119.
Autoclave-induced digestion for the colorimetric determination of silicon in rice straw.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Farhangi-Abriz S, Torabian S (2017) Antioxidant enzyme and osmotic adjustment changes in bean seedlings as affected by biochar under salt stress. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 137, 64–70.
Antioxidant enzyme and osmotic adjustment changes in bean seedlings as affected by biochar under salt stress.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 27915144PubMed |

Gee GW, Bauder JW (1986) Particle-size analysis. In ‘Methods soil analysis. Part 1: physical and mineralogical methods’. Agronomy Monographs 9(1). (Ed. A Klute) pp. 383–409. (American Society of Agronomy: Madison, WI, USA)

Ghassemi-Golezani K, Farhangi-Abriz S (2021) Biochar-based metal oxide nanocomposites of magnesium and manganese improved root development and productivity of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under salt stress. Rhizosphere 19, 100416
Biochar-based metal oxide nanocomposites of magnesium and manganese improved root development and productivity of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under salt stress.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gong H, Zhu X, Chen K, Wang S, Zhang C (2005) Silicon alleviates oxidative damage of wheat plants in pots under drought. Plant Science 169, 313–321.
Silicon alleviates oxidative damage of wheat plants in pots under drought.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Haddad C, Arkoun M, Jamois F, Schawarzbenberg A, Yvin J-C, Etienne P, Laîné P (2018) Silicon promotes growth of Brassica napus L. and delays leaf senescence induced by nitrogen starvation. Frontiers in Plant Science 9, 516
Silicon promotes growth of Brassica napus L. and delays leaf senescence induced by nitrogen starvation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29740460PubMed |

Hajiboland R, Cherghvareh L, Dashtebani F (2016) Effect of silicon supplementation on wheat plants under salt stress. Journal of Plant Process and Function 5, 1–12.

Hasan ÖZ (2018) A new approach to soil solarization: addition of biochar to the effect of soil temperature and quality and yield parameters of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. Duna). Scientia Horticulturae 228, 153–161.
A new approach to soil solarization: addition of biochar to the effect of soil temperature and quality and yield parameters of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. Duna).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hasanuzzaman M, Nahar K, Rohman MM, Anee TI, Huang Y, Fujita M (2018) Exogenous silicon protects Brassica napus plants from salinity-induced oxidative stress through the modulation of AsA-GSH pathway, thiol-dependent antioxidant enzymes and glyoxalase systems. Gesunde Pflanzen 70, 185–194.
Exogenous silicon protects Brassica napus plants from salinity-induced oxidative stress through the modulation of AsA-GSH pathway, thiol-dependent antioxidant enzymes and glyoxalase systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

He K, He G, Wang C, Zhang H, Xu Y, Wang S, Kong Y, Zhou G, Hu R (2020) Biochar amendment ameliorates soil properties and promotes Miscanthus growth in a coastal saline–alkali soil. Applied Soil Ecology 155, 103674
Biochar amendment ameliorates soil properties and promotes Miscanthus growth in a coastal saline–alkali soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Houben D, Sonnet P, Cornelis J-T (2014) Biochar from Miscanthus: a potential silicon fertilizer. Plant and Soil 374, 871–882.
Biochar from Miscanthus: a potential silicon fertilizer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jackson ML (1962) ‘Soil chemical analysis.’ (Constable and Co Ltd.: London, UK)

Jambunathan N (2010) Determination and detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and electrolyte leakage in plants. In ‘Plant stress tolerance. Methods in molecular biology (methods and protocols). Vol. 639.’ (Ed. R Sunkar) pp. 292–298. (Humana Press: Totowa, USA)

Jana GA, Al Kharusi L, Sunkar R, Al-Yahyai R, Yaish MW (2019) Metabolomic analysis of date palm seedlings exposed to salinity and silicon treatments. Plant Signaling & Behavior 14, 1663112
Metabolomic analysis of date palm seedlings exposed to salinity and silicon treatments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Janmohammadi M, Sabaghnia N (2015) Effect of pre-sowing seed treatments with silicon nanoparticles on germinability of sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Botanica 21, 13–21.
Effect of pre-sowing seed treatments with silicon nanoparticles on germinability of sunflower (Helianthus annuus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Joseph S, Anawar HM, Storer P, Blackwell P, Chee C, Yun L, Munroe P, Donne S, Horvat J, Wang J, Solaiman ZM (2015) Effects of enriched biochars containing magnetic iron nanoparticles on mycorrhizal colonisation plant growth, nutrient uptake and soil quality improvement. Pedosphere 25, 749–760.
Effects of enriched biochars containing magnetic iron nanoparticles on mycorrhizal colonisation plant growth, nutrient uptake and soil quality improvement.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kandil AA, Shareif AE, Gad MA (2017) Effect of salinity on germination and seeding parameters of forage cowpea seed. Research Journal of Seed Science 10, 17–26.
Effect of salinity on germination and seeding parameters of forage cowpea seed.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kanwal S, Ilyas N, Shabir S, Saeed M, Gul R, Zahoor M, Batool N, Mazhar R (2018) Application of biochar in mitigation of negative effects of salinity stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Journal of Plant Nutrition 41, 526–538.
Application of biochar in mitigation of negative effects of salinity stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Karimi J, Mohsenzadeh S (2016) Effects of silicon oxide nanoparticles on growth and physiology of wheat seedlings. Russian Journal of Plant Physiology 63, 119–123.
Effects of silicon oxide nanoparticles on growth and physiology of wheat seedlings.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Khan WUD, Aziz T, Warraich EA, Khalid M (2015) Silicon application improves germination and vegetative growth in maize grown under salt stress. Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences 52, 937–944.

Khan WUD, Aziz T, Maqsood MA, Sabir M, Ahmad HR, Ramzani PMA, Nasim M (2016) Silicon: a beneficial nutrient under salt stress, its uptake mechanism and mode of action. In ‘Soil science: agricultural and environmental prospective’. (Eds KR Hakeem, J Akhtar, M Sabir) pp. 287–301. (Springer: Cham, Switzerland)

Khan WUD, Aziz T, Maqsood MA, Farooq M, Abdullah Y, Ramzani PMA, Bilal HM (2018) Silicon nutrition mitigates salinity stress in maize by modulating ion accumulation, photosynthesis, and antioxidants. Photosynthetica 56, 1047–1057.
Silicon nutrition mitigates salinity stress in maize by modulating ion accumulation, photosynthesis, and antioxidants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Khan A, Khan AL, Muneer S, Kim Y-H, Al-Rawahi A, Al-Harrasi A (2019) Silicon and salinity: cross-talk in crop mediated stress tolerance mechanisms. Frontiers in Plant Science 10, 1429
Silicon and salinity: cross-talk in crop mediated stress tolerance mechanisms.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31787997PubMed |

Kiran BR, Prasad MNV (2019) Biochar and rice husk ash assisted phytoremediation potentials of Ricinus communis L. for lead-spiked soils. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 183, 109574
Biochar and rice husk ash assisted phytoremediation potentials of Ricinus communis L. for lead-spiked soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31442801PubMed |

Laird D, Fleming P, Wang B, Horton R, Karlen D (2010) Biochar impact on nutrient leaching from a Midwestern agricultural soil. Geoderma 158, 436–442.
Biochar impact on nutrient leaching from a Midwestern agricultural soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lehmann J, Joseph S (2009) Biochar for environmental management: an introduction. In ‘Biochar for environmental management. Science and technology’. (Eds J Lehmann, S Joseph) pp. 1–2. (Earthscan: UK)

Lehmann J, Rillig MC, Thies J, Masiello CA, Hockaday WC, Crowley D (2011) Biochar effects on soil biota – a review. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 43, 1812–1836.
Biochar effects on soil biota – a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Li B, Tao G, Xie Y, Cai X (2012) Physiological effects under the condition of spraying nano-SiO2 onto the Indocalamus barbatus McClure leaves. Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition) 36, 161–164.

Li H, Zhu Y, Hu Y, Han W, Gong H (2015) Beneficial effects of silicon in alleviating salinity stress of tomato seedlings grown under sand culture. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 37, 71
Beneficial effects of silicon in alleviating salinity stress of tomato seedlings grown under sand culture.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Li C, Zhang L, Gao Y, Li A (2018) Facile synthesis of nano ZnO/ZnS modified biochar by directly pyrolyzing of zinc contaminated corn stover for Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cr(VI) removals. Waste Management 79, 625–637.
Facile synthesis of nano ZnO/ZnS modified biochar by directly pyrolyzing of zinc contaminated corn stover for Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cr(VI) removals.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30343795PubMed |

Lindsay WL, Norvell WA (1978) Development of a DTPA soil test for zinc, iron, manganese and copper. Soil Science Society of America Journal 42, 421–428.
Development of a DTPA soil test for zinc, iron, manganese and copper.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ling L-L, Liu W-J, Zhang S, Jiang H (2017) Magnesium oxide embedded nitrogen self-doped biochar composites: fast and high-efficiency adsorption of heavy metals in an aqueous solution. Environmental Science & Technology 51, 10081–10089.
Magnesium oxide embedded nitrogen self-doped biochar composites: fast and high-efficiency adsorption of heavy metals in an aqueous solution.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Liu B, Soundararajan P, Manivannan A (2019) Mechanisms of silicon-mediated amelioration of salt stress in plants. Plants 8, 307
Mechanisms of silicon-mediated amelioration of salt stress in plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lu C, Zhang CY, Wen JQ, Wu GR, Tao MX (2002) Research of the effect of nanometer materials on germination and growth enhancement of Glycine max and its mechanism. Soybean Science 21, 168–171.

Ma JF, Goto S, Tamai K, Ichii M (2001) Role of root hairs and lateral roots in silicon uptake by rice. Plant Physiology 127, 1773–1780.
Role of root hairs and lateral roots in silicon uptake by rice.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 11743120PubMed |

Marreiro DDN, Cruz KJC, Morais JBS, Beserra JB, Severo JS, de Oliveira ARS (2017) Zinc and oxidative stress: current mechanisms. Antioxidants 6, 24–29.
Zinc and oxidative stress: current mechanisms.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mau Y, Porporato A (2015) A dynamical system approach to soil salinity and sodicity. Advances in Water Resources 83, 68–76.
A dynamical system approach to soil salinity and sodicity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Milla OV, Rivera EB, Huang W-J, Chien C-C, Wang Y-M (2013) Agronomic properties and characterization of rice husk and wood biochars and their effect on the growth of water spinach in a field test. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 13, 251–266.
Agronomic properties and characterization of rice husk and wood biochars and their effect on the growth of water spinach in a field test.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Misra A, Dwivedi S, Srivastava AK, Tewari DK, Khan A, Kumar R (2006) Low iron stress nutrition for evaluation of Fe-efficient genotype physiology, photosynthesis, and essential monoterpene oil(s) yield of (Ocimum sanctum). Photosynthetica 44, 474–477.
Low iron stress nutrition for evaluation of Fe-efficient genotype physiology, photosynthesis, and essential monoterpene oil(s) yield of (Ocimum sanctum).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Moradi S, Rasouli-Sadaghiani MH, Sepehr E, Khodaverdiloo H, Barin M (2019) Soil nutrients status affected by simple and enriched biochar application under salinity conditions. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 191, 257
Soil nutrients status affected by simple and enriched biochar application under salinity conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30929074PubMed |

Moussa HR (2006) Influence of exogenous application of silicon on physiological response of salt-stressed maize (Zea mays L.). International Journal of Agriculture & Biology 8, 293–297.

Nakano Y, Asada K (1981) Hydrogen peroxide is scavenged by ascorbate-specific peroxidase in spinach chloroplasts. Plant and Cell Physiology 22, 867–880.
Hydrogen peroxide is scavenged by ascorbate-specific peroxidase in spinach chloroplasts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Neto ADA, Prisco JT, Enéas-Filho J, de Abreu CEB, Gomez-Filho E (2006) Effect of salt stress on antioxidative enzymes and lipid peroxidation in leaves and roots of salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive maize genotypes. Environmental and Experimental Botany 56, 87–94.
Effect of salt stress on antioxidative enzymes and lipid peroxidation in leaves and roots of salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive maize genotypes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ning P, Qiu J, Wang X, Liu W, Chen W (2013) Metal loaded zeolite adsorbents for hydrogen cyanide removal. Journal of Environmental Sciences 25, 808–814.
Metal loaded zeolite adsorbents for hydrogen cyanide removal.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Nxele X, Klein A, Ndimba BK (2017) Drought and salinity stress alters ROS accumulation, water retention, and osmolyte content in sorghum plants. South African Journal of Botany 108, 261–266.
Drought and salinity stress alters ROS accumulation, water retention, and osmolyte content in sorghum plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ojeda-Barrios DL, Perea-Portillo E, Hernández-Rodríguez OA, Martínez-Téllez J, Abadía J, Lombardini L (2014) Foliar fertilization with zinc in pecan trees. Horticultural Science 49, 562–566.
Foliar fertilization with zinc in pecan trees.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Osman MEH, Mohsen AA, Nessim AA, El-Saka MS, Mohamed W (2019) Evaluation of biochar as a soil amendment for alleviating the harmful effect of salinity on Vigna unguiculata (l.) Walp. Egyptian Journal of Botany 59, 617–631.
Evaluation of biochar as a soil amendment for alleviating the harmful effect of salinity on Vigna unguiculata (l.) Walp.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Osman HS, Gowayed SM, Elbagory M, Omara AED, El-Monem AMA, El-Razek A, Usama A, Hafez EM (2021) Interactive impacts of beneficial microbes and Si-Zn nanocomposite on growth and productivity of soybean subjected to water deficit under salt-affected soil conditions. Plants 10, 1396
Interactive impacts of beneficial microbes and Si-Zn nanocomposite on growth and productivity of soybean subjected to water deficit under salt-affected soil conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 34371599PubMed |

Pal V, Singh G, Dhaliwal SS (2020) Symbiotic parameters, growth, productivity and profitability of chickpea as influenced by zinc sulphate and urea application. Journal of Soil Science & Plant Nutrition 20, 738–750.
Symbiotic parameters, growth, productivity and profitability of chickpea as influenced by zinc sulphate and urea application.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Parida AK, Das AB (2005) Salt tolerance and salinity effects on plants: a review. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 60, 324–349.
Salt tolerance and salinity effects on plants: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15590011PubMed |

Pei ZF, Ming DF, Liu D, Wan GL, Geng XX, Gong HJ, Zhou WJ (2010) Silicon improves the tolerance to water deficit stress induced by polyethylene glycol in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation 29, 106–115.
Silicon improves the tolerance to water deficit stress induced by polyethylene glycol in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pinedo-Guerrero ZH, Cadenas-Pliego G, Ortega-Ortiz H, González-Morales S, Benavides-Mendoza A, Valdés-Reyna J, Juárez-Maldonado A (2020) Form of silica improves yield, fruit quality and antioxidant defense system of tomato plants under salt stress. Agriculture 10, 367
Form of silica improves yield, fruit quality and antioxidant defense system of tomato plants under salt stress.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Qados AMSA, Moftah AE (2015) Influence of silicon and nano-silicon on germination, growth and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) under salt stress conditions. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International 5, 509–524.
Influence of silicon and nano-silicon on germination, growth and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) under salt stress conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rahimi R, Mohammakhani A, Roohi V, Armand N (2012) Effects of salt stress and silicon nutrition on cholorophyll content, yield and yield components in fennel (Foeniculum vulgar Mill.). International Journal of Agriculture and Crop Sciences (IJACS) 4, 1591–1595.

Rhoades JD, Polemio M (1977) Determining cation exchange capacity: a new procedure for calcareous and gypsiferous soils. Soil Science Society of America Journal 41, 524–528.

Richards LA (1954) Diagnosis and improvement of saline and alkali soils. In ‘USDA Handbook No. 60’. (USDA: Washington, DC)

Roth EF, Gilbert HS (1984) The pyrogallol assay for superoxide dismutase: absence of a glutathione artifact. Analytical Biochemistry 137, 50–53.
The pyrogallol assay for superoxide dismutase: absence of a glutathione artifact.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 6731808PubMed |

Różyło K, Świeca M, Gawlik-Dziki U, Stefaniuk M, Oleszczuk P (2017) The potential of biochar for reducing the negative effects of soil contamination on the phytochemical properties and heavy metal accumulation in wheat grain. Agricultural and Food Science 26, 34–46.
The potential of biochar for reducing the negative effects of soil contamination on the phytochemical properties and heavy metal accumulation in wheat grain.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sabaghnia N, Janmohammadi M (2015) Effect of nano-silicon particles application on salinity tolerance in early growth of some lentil genotypes. Annales UMCS, Biologia 69, 39–55.
Effect of nano-silicon particles application on salinity tolerance in early growth of some lentil genotypes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sergiev I, Alexieva V, Karanov E (1997) Effect of spermine, atrazine and combination between them on some endogenous protective systems and stress markers in plants. Comptes rendus de l’Academie bulgare des Sciences 51, 121–124.

Shahnaz G, Shekoofeh E, Kourosh D, Moohamadbagher B (2011) Interactive effects of silicon and aluminum on the malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, protein and phenolic compounds in Borago officinalis L. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 5, 5818–5827.

Siddiqui MH, Al-Whaibi MH, Faisal M, Al Sahli AA (2014) Nano-silicon dioxide mitigates the adverse effects of salt stress on Cucurbita pepo L. Environmental toxicology and chemistry 33, 2429–2437.

Singh K, Singh J, Rawat M (2019) Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Punica Granatum leaf extract and its application towards photocatalytic degradation of Coomassie brilliant blue R-250 dye. SN Applied Sciences 1, 624
Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Punica Granatum leaf extract and its application towards photocatalytic degradation of Coomassie brilliant blue R-250 dye.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Singleton VL, Orthofer R, Lamuela-Raventos RM (1999) Analysis of total phenols and other oxidation substrates and antioxidants by means of Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Methods in Enzymology 299, 152–178.
Analysis of total phenols and other oxidation substrates and antioxidants by means of Folin-Ciocalteu reagent.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Steel RGD, Torrie JH (1960) ‘Principles and procedures of statistics’. (McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc.: New York, Toronto, London)

Strain HH, Svec WA (1966) Extraction, separation, estimation, and isolation of the chlorophylls. In ‘The chlorophylls’. (Eds LP Vernon, GR Seely) pp. 21–66. (Academic Press: Cambridge, USA)

Suriyaprabha R, Karunakaran G, Yuvakkumar R, Prabu P, Rajendran V, Kannan N (2013) Application of silica nanoparticles for increased silica availability in maize. In ‘Proceedings of the 57th Dae solid state physics symposium’, 1512, pp. 424–425. AIP Conference Proceedings, Mumbai.

Tantawy AS, Salama YAM, El-Nemr MA, Abdel-Mawgoud AMR (2015) Nano silicon application improves salinity tolerance of sweet pepper plants. International Journal of ChemTech Research 8, 11–17.

Thomas SC, Frye S, Gale N, Garmon M, Launchbury R, Machado N, Melamed S, Murray J, Petroff A, Winsborough C (2013) Biochar mitigates negative effects of salt additions on two herbaceous plant species. Journal of Environmental Management 129, 62–68.
Biochar mitigates negative effects of salt additions on two herbaceous plant species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23796889PubMed |

Tufail A, Li H, Naeem A, Li TX (2018) Leaf cell membrane stability-based mechanisms of zinc nutrition in mitigating salinity stress in rice. Plant Biology (Stuttg) 20, 338–345.
Leaf cell membrane stability-based mechanisms of zinc nutrition in mitigating salinity stress in rice.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29148143PubMed |

Turan V, Ramzani PMA, Ali Q, Abbas F, Iqbal M, Irum A, Khan W-U-D (2018) Alleviation of nickel toxicity and an improvement in zinc bioavailability in sunflower seed with chitosan and biochar application in pH adjusted nickel contaminated soil. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 64, 1053–1067.
Alleviation of nickel toxicity and an improvement in zinc bioavailability in sunflower seed with chitosan and biochar application in pH adjusted nickel contaminated soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang S-Y, Tang Y-K, Li K, Mo Y-Y, Li H-F, Gu Z-Q (2014) Combined performance of biochar sorption and magnetic separation processes for treatment of chromium-contained electroplating wastewater. Bioresource Technology 174, 67–73.
Combined performance of biochar sorption and magnetic separation processes for treatment of chromium-contained electroplating wastewater.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 25463783PubMed |

Wang F, Xu Y-G, Wang S, Shi W, Liu R, Feng G, Song J (2015a) Salinity affects production and salt tolerance of dimorphic seeds of Suaeda salsa. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 95, 41–48.
Salinity affects production and salt tolerance of dimorphic seeds of Suaeda salsa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26184090PubMed |

Wang S, Liu P, Chen D, Yin L, Li H, Deng X (2015b) Silicon enhanced salt tolerance by improving the root water uptake and decreasing the ion toxicity in cucumber. Frontiers in Plant Science 6, 759
Silicon enhanced salt tolerance by improving the root water uptake and decreasing the ion toxicity in cucumber.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26442072PubMed |

Wang P, Tang L, Wei X, Zeng G, Zhou Y, Deng Y, Wang J, Xie Z, Fang W (2017) Synthesis and application of iron and zinc doped biochar for removal of p-nitrophenol in wastewater and assessment of the influence of co-existed Pb(II). Applied Surface Science 392, 391–401.
Synthesis and application of iron and zinc doped biochar for removal of p-nitrophenol in wastewater and assessment of the influence of co-existed Pb(II).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Waśkiewicz A, Muzolf-Panek M, Goliński P (2013) Phenolic content changes in plants under salt stress. In ‘Ecophysiology and responses of plants under salt stress’. (Eds A Pervaiz, MM Azooz, MNV Parsad) pp. 283–314. (Springer Science and Business Media: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany)

Wu L, Wei C, Zhang S, Wang Y, Kuzyakov Y, Ding X (2019) MgO-modified biochar increases phosphate retention and rice yields in saline-alkaline soil. Journal of Cleaner Production 235, 901–909.
MgO-modified biochar increases phosphate retention and rice yields in saline-alkaline soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Xiao Q, Zhu L-X, Shen Y-F, Li S-Q (2016) Sensitivity of soil water retention and availability to biochar addition in rainfed semi-arid farmland during a three-year field experiment. Field Crops Research 196, 284–293.
Sensitivity of soil water retention and availability to biochar addition in rainfed semi-arid farmland during a three-year field experiment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Xiao L, Yuan G, Feng L, Bi D, Wei J (2020) Soil properties and the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) in response to reed (phragmites communis) biochar use in a salt-affected soil in the Yellow River Delta. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 303, 107124
Soil properties and the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) in response to reed (phragmites communis) biochar use in a salt-affected soil in the Yellow River Delta.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yang R, Zhou C, Zhu J, Pan Y, Sun J, Zhang Z (2019) Effects of biochar application on phreatic water evaporation and water-salt distribution in coastal saline soil. Journal of Plant Nutrition 42, 1243–1253.
Effects of biochar application on phreatic water evaporation and water-salt distribution in coastal saline soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yao Y, Gao B, Chen J, Yang L (2013) Engineered biochar reclaiming phosphate from aqueous solutions: mechanisms and potential application as a slow-release fertilizer. Environmental Science & Technology 47, 8700–8708.
Engineered biochar reclaiming phosphate from aqueous solutions: mechanisms and potential application as a slow-release fertilizer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ye J, Zhang R, Nielsen S, Joseph SD, Huang D, Thomas T (2016) A combination of biochar–mineral complexes and compost improves soil bacterial processes, soil quality, and plant properties. Frontiers in Microbiology 7, 372
A combination of biochar–mineral complexes and compost improves soil bacterial processes, soil quality, and plant properties.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 27092104PubMed |

Yeboah S, Zhang R, Cai L, Li L, Xie J, Luo Z, Wu J, Antille DL (2017) Soil water content and photosynthetic capacity of spring wheat as affected by soil application of nitrogen-enriched biochar in a semiarid environment. Photosynthetica 55, 532–542.
Soil water content and photosynthetic capacity of spring wheat as affected by soil application of nitrogen-enriched biochar in a semiarid environment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zeid IM, Ghazi S, Shedeed ZA, Nabawy DM (2018) Biochar mitigates cadmium stress on alfalfa seeds during germination. International Journal of Progressive Sciences and Technologies (IJPSAT) 6, 251–261.

Zhang W-M, Guan X-C, Huang Y-W, Sun D-Q, Meng J, Chen W-F (2015) Biological effects of biochar and fertilizer interaction in soybean plant. Acta Agronomica Sinica 41, 109–122.
Biological effects of biochar and fertilizer interaction in soybean plant.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhang H, Voroney RP, Price GW, White AJ (2017) Sulfur-enriched biochar as a potential soil amendment and fertiliser. Soil Research 55, 93–99.
Sulfur-enriched biochar as a potential soil amendment and fertiliser.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhu YX, Li HL, Hu YH, Zhang TT, Han WH, Gong HJ (2015) Effects of silicate on salt resistance and the underlying physiological mechanism in tomato. Journal of Agro-Environment Science 34, 213–220.