The Use of Soil Conditioners to Ensure a Sustainable Wheat Yield under Water Deficit Conditions by Enhancing the Physiological and Antioxidant Potentials

Abstract

Traditional mulch material (farmyard manure) has long been used in agriculture. However, recent developments have also introduced the scientific community and farmers to advanced chemicals such as potassium polyacrylamide (KPAM), which has revolutionised the concept of the soil water-holding capacity to many compared with other materials being used. To compare the effect of different organic and inorganic soil amendment materials under water stress conditions, a two-year (2018 and 2019) field study was conducted. The main plots consisted of irrigation treatments, i.e., I0 (control irrigation), I1 (drought-induced by skipping irrigation at the 4th leaf stage), and I2 (drought-induced by skipping irrigation at the anthesis stage). The subplots included a control treatment and soil amended with different conditioners such as potassium polyacrylamide (KPAM, 30 kg/ha), farmyard manure (FYM, 4 tons/ha), and biochar (10 tons/ha); these were mixed thoroughly with the soil before sowing. The results showed a significant reduction in the water relation parameters (water potential up to 35.77% and relative water content up to 21%), gas exchange parameters (net CO2 assimilation rate up to 28.85%, stomatal conductance up to 43.18%, and transpiration rate up to 49.07%), and yield attributes (biological yield up to 8.45% and grain yield up to 32.22%) under drought stress conditions. In addition, water stress also induced an increase in the synthesis of osmoprotectants (proline up to 77.74%, total soluble sugars up to 27.43%, and total free amino acids up to 11.73%). Among all the soil conditioners used, KPAM significantly reduced the negative effects of drought stress on the wheat plants. Thus, it could be concluded that the use of soil conditioners is a promising method for dealing with the negative consequences of drought stress for achieving sustainable crop yields.

Changes in phytochemical properties and water use efficiency of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) using superabsorbent polymer under drought stress

“…The application of AS at a low level in H0.5 led to some improvement in the protein compared to the control treatment in all irrigation interval treatments. By reducing total soluble protein in plants, drought stress disrupts the protein synthesis process, resulting in a decrease in protein production and a rise in protein degradation 47 .…”

Foliar application of putrescine alleviates terminal drought stress by modulating water status, membrane stability, and yield- related traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

“…Moreover, terminal drought disturbs stomatal oscillations, reduces transpiration and water-use efficiency (WUE), and decreases chlorophyll content and nutrient uptake, collectively resulting in yield reduction (Farooq et al, 2009a;Dawood et al, 2019;Yasir et al, 2019). It also imposes adverse effects on the physiomorphological responses of plants, resulting in significant yield reduction (Iqbal et al, 2019;Ejaz et al, 2022). For instance, drought stress induces the excessive production of ROS and inhibits antioxidant enzyme activity, which impairs photosynthesis, increases lipid peroxidation, and destroys cell membrane structure (Farooq et al, 2009a;Miller et al, 2010;Ju et al, 2020).…”

Upcycling Orange Peel Agricultural Waste for the Preparation of Green Hydrogels as Active Soil Conditioners

“…7,8 The use of hydrogels contributes to more efficient management of irrigation water and increases the water retention capacity of the soil and its porosity, providing plants with moisture and a conducive atmosphere for root development, all parameters that ultimately increase crop yields. 9,10 Commercial hydrogels intended for this application are based on polyacrylate or polyacrylamide polymers, which are petroleum-derived and nonbiodegradable. In recent decades, great scientific efforts have been dedicated to the replacement of these hydrogels with biodegradable alternatives.…”

“…In general, soil conditioners are materials that can enhance crop yields while preserving soil structure and nutrients and ensuring water retention. Among the materials described in the literature, hydrogels seem the most promising at addressing this task. − They are three-dimensional cross-linked polymer networks that can incorporate large amounts of water in their structure and release that water depending on surrounding conditions and plants’ demands. , The use of hydrogels contributes to more efficient management of irrigation water and increases the water retention capacity of the soil and its porosity, providing plants with moisture and a conducive atmosphere for root development, all parameters that ultimately increase crop yields. , …”