Ageratina adenophora invasion harmfully impacts biodiversity and agricultural productivity via altering soil properties. Hence, this study was designed to examine the germination, growth, and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in A. adenophora invaded soil and the role of biochar-based soil amendments in enhancing wheat growth. A pot experiment was conducted using six soil treatments: (i). uninvaded soil (US, control), (ii). A. adenophora invaded soil (IS), (iii). sterilized A. adenophora invaded soil (ISS), (iv). invaded soil with biochar (IS + B), (v). invaded soil with fertilizer (IS + F), and (vi). invaded soil with both biochar and fertilizer (IS + B + F). Biochar for the experiment was prepared at 350℃ using A. adenophora stem as the feedstock. Each treatment was replicated twenty times, and wheat plants were grown until maturity. Germination percentage, growth parameters, and crop productivity were measured using standard methods. The lowest germination percentage (97%) was observed in A. adenophora invaded soil, compared to 98% in uninvaded soil and 99% in amended soils (IS + B, IS + F, IS + B + F). Wheat grown in IS had significantly lower root length (19.56 cm), shoot length (65.86 cm), and total biomass (3.82 g plant− 1) compared to US (23.19 cm root length, 71.19 cm shoot length, and 5.13 g plant− 1 total biomass). Soil amendments significantly improved these parameters: in IS + B + F, root length increased to 27.48 cm, shoot length to 85.64 cm, and total biomass to 6.82 g plant− 1. Grain yield was reduced by 39.35% in IS compared to US, but increased by 50.0% in ISS, 43.03% in IS + B, and 55.66% in IS + F and IS + B + F. Similarly, grain weight per plant was lowest in IS (0.34 g) and highest in IS + F (1.10 g), showing a 223% increase. The highest wheat productivity was recorded in IS + B + F, where grain yield improved by 55.66% compared to IS. This study confirms that biochar from A. adenophora can serve as a sustainable soil amendment, mitigating its negative impact on soil fertility. Combined with fertilizers, it has the potential to improve wheat yield, support soil restoration, and promote carbon sequestration. Hence, field trials are recommended to validate its long term benefits, optimize application rates, and assess feasibility. Biochar based remediation offers a strategic solution for managing A. adenophora, restoring degraded soils, and supporting SDGs 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).

Mitigating the Toxic Effects of Ageratina adenophora Rhizospheric Soil on Wheat Crop Through Biochar-Based Soil Amendments

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发表日期：

2025年5月20日

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Kavita Khatri,
Kiran Bargali,
Surendra Singh Bargali

摘要

Ageratina adenophora invasion harmfully impacts biodiversity and agricultural productivity via altering soil properties. Hence, this study was designed to examine the germination, growth, and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in A. adenophora invaded soil and the role of biochar-based soil amendments in enhancing wheat growth. A pot experiment was conducted using six soil treatments: (i). uninvaded soil (US, control), (ii). A. adenophora invaded soil (IS), (iii). sterilized A. adenophora invaded soil (ISS), (iv). invaded soil with biochar (IS + B), (v). invaded soil with fertilizer (IS + F), and (vi). invaded soil with both biochar and fertilizer (IS + B + F). Biochar for the experiment was prepared at 350℃ using A. adenophora stem as the feedstock. Each treatment was replicated twenty times, and wheat plants were grown until maturity. Germination percentage, growth parameters, and crop productivity were measured using standard methods. The lowest germination percentage (97%) was observed in A. adenophora invaded soil, compared to 98% in uninvaded soil and 99% in amended soils (IS + B, IS + F, IS + B + F). Wheat grown in IS had significantly lower root length (19.56 cm), shoot length (65.86 cm), and total biomass (3.82 g plant^− 1) compared to US (23.19 cm root length, 71.19 cm shoot length, and 5.13 g plant^− 1 total biomass). Soil amendments significantly improved these parameters: in IS + B + F, root length increased to 27.48 cm, shoot length to 85.64 cm, and total biomass to 6.82 g plant^− 1. Grain yield was reduced by 39.35% in IS compared to US, but increased by 50.0% in ISS, 43.03% in IS + B, and 55.66% in IS + F and IS + B + F. Similarly, grain weight per plant was lowest in IS (0.34 g) and highest in IS + F (1.10 g), showing a 223% increase. The highest wheat productivity was recorded in IS + B + F, where grain yield improved by 55.66% compared to IS. This study confirms that biochar from A. adenophora can serve as a sustainable soil amendment, mitigating its negative impact on soil fertility. Combined with fertilizers, it has the potential to improve wheat yield, support soil restoration, and promote carbon sequestration. Hence, field trials are recommended to validate its long term benefits, optimize application rates, and assess feasibility. Biochar based remediation offers a strategic solution for managing A. adenophora, restoring degraded soils, and supporting SDGs 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).