Determination of the effects of biochar and cadmium applications on the development and nutrient content of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

This study was conducted to determine the effects of biochar and cadmium applications on the growth and nutrient composition of wheat. The experiment was carried out in the climate chamber of the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, using a factorial design with three replications in randomized plots. Biochar was applied at doses of 0%, 2%, and 4%, while cadmium was applied at doses of 0, 75, and 150 mg Cd kg-1. Biochar application increased soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC), root length, fresh and dry weights of the plant, root fresh weight, tiller number, and concentrations of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni). However, it caused a decrease in plant height, root dry weight, phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and lead (Pb) concentrations. Cadmium applications increased root length and concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Ni, while reducing pH, EC, plant height, fresh and dry weights of the plant, root fresh and dry weights, tiller number, and concentrations of P, K, Ca, Mn, and Pb. In the interaction between biochar and cadmium, cadmium had a positive effect on root length and concentrations of P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, and Ni, while negatively affecting other growth criteria and element contents. Biochar application, on the other hand, increased pH, EC, root length, plant fresh weight, and concentrations of P, K, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Ni, while causing a decrease in other criteria and element contents. In conclusion, biochar applications generally had positive effects on the growth criteria and nutrient content of wheat plants, while cadmium led to decreases in growth criteria and increases in some nutrient and heavy metal contents. The results provide important insights for sustainable agriculture practices and environmental pollution management.