Comparative responses of two maize genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance to biochar application

The impact of biochar application on plant performance under drought stress necessitates a comprehensive understanding of biochar–soil interaction, root growth, and plant physiological processes. Therefore, pot experiments were conducted to assess the effects of biochar on plant responses to drought stress at the seedling stage. Two contrasting maize genotypes (drought-sensitive KN5585 vs. -tolerant Mo17) were subjected to biochar application under drought stress conditions. The results indicated that biochar application decreased soil exchangeable Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ contents while increased soil exchangeable K⁺ content (2.7-fold) and electrical conductivity (4.0-fold), resulting in an elevated leaf sap K⁺ concentration in both maize genotypes. The elevated K⁺ concentration with biochar application increased root apoplastic pH in the drought-sensitive KN5585, but not in the drought-tolerant Mo17, which stimulated the activation of H⁺-ATPase and H⁺ efflux in KN5585 roots. Apoplast alkalinization of the drought-sensitive KN5585 resulting from biochar application further inhibited root growth by 30.7%, contributing to an improvement in water potential, a reduction in levels of O₂^–, H₂O₂, T-AOC, SOD, and POD, as well as the down-regulation of genes associated with drought resistance in KN5585 roots. In contrast, biochar application increased leaf sap osmolality and provided osmotic protection for the drought-tolerant Mo17, which was associated with trehalose accumulation in Mo17 roots. Biochar application improved sucrose utilization and circadian rhythm of Mo17 roots, and increased fresh weight under drought stress. This study suggests that biochar application has the potential to enhance plant drought tolerance, which is achieved through the inhibition of root growth in sensitive plants and the enhancement of osmotic protection in tolerant plants, respectively.

Graphical Abstract