The Effect of Different levels of Damask Rose Waste (DRW), Walnut Green Skin Waste (WGW) and Cow Manure Biochars on Biochemical, Physiological and functional Characteristics of European Borage (Borago officinalis L.)

علوم باغبانی

Article 20, Volume 37, Issue 3 - Serial Number 59, November 2023, Pages 873-886   

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.22067/jhs.2023.79955.1218

Authors

A. Najarzadeh¹; H. Farahbakhsh^{* 1}; M. Naser Alavi²; R. Moradi¹; M. Naghizadeh²

¹Department of Genetics and Plant Production, Agricultural Faculty, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran

²Department of Plant Productions, Agricultural Faculty of Bardsir, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Borage (Borago officinalis L.) is a valuable annual medicinal herb suitable for cultivation in many countries, including Iran. Borage is considered as a native of both Europe and Asia. Several species around the world fall under the denomination of “borage”. The presence of the γ-linolenic acid in the seeds of borage makes borage distinctively important mainly for the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical research. γ-Linolenic acid is an omega -6 polyunsaturated fatty acid which cannot be synthesized in the body and hence falls into the category of essential fatty acids (Evesh et al., 2019).
 Chemical fertilizer is an indispensable abiotic factor in agricultural production, especially nitrogen fertilizer. However, in order to improve the yield, people fertilize a lot, which not only wastes resources, but also brings a series of serious problems to the environment, such as greenhouse gas emissions, soil fertility degradation and water resources pollution. Therefore, developing new fertilizers, improving crop nutrient utilization efficiency, replacing chemical fertilizers and reducing environmental pollution is an important direction of agricultural sustainable developme (Zhang et al ., 2020).
Biochar is a carbon rich product formed by pyrolysis of agricultural and forestry wastes under limited air availability. It is generally alkaline in nature, with the characteristics of rich carbon content, large specific surface area and strong adsorption. Biochar addition can reduce soil bulk density and increase porosity, pH, water holding capacity and nutrient content. Additionally, the unique physical properties of biochar can also promote the colonization and growth of some specific microorganisms, which may participate in the mineralization of biochar and promote nutrient cycling. Therefore, biochar has been widely used on improving soil quality and increasing crop productivity. Biochar has a positive effect on root structure and nutrient absorption of plant. Several studies have shown biochar can significantly increase the root length, root biomass, root surface area and specific root length. The study also found that biochar significantly increased the number of plant root tips, the most active part of root, and then increased the ability of plants to absorb nutrients from soil (Zhang et al, 2020).
 
Materials and Methods
In order to evaluate the effect of damask rose waste (DRW), walnut green skin waste (WGW) and cow manure biochars on biochemical, physiological and yield characteristics of European borage, an experiment was carried out based on a completely randomized design at the greenhouse conditions in Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. The experimental treatments contain: without of biochar (control), biochars of cow manure (0.75%, 1.25%, 2.5% and 5% w/w), walnut green skin biochar (WGW) (0.75%, 1.25%, 2.5% and 5% w/w) and damask rose waste biochar (DRW) (0.75, 1.25, 2.5 and 5% w/w). The physicochemical properties of the biochars and soil were analyzed. Five seeds were planted in three-kilogram pots at a depth of 1.5 to 2 cm. The greenhouse was maintained at an average temperature of 25 °C during the day and 20 °C at night, with a relative humidity level of 60%. Upon concluding the experiment, various biochemical, physiological, and functional characteristics of European borage were assessed and measured.
 
Results and Discussion
The results showed that DRW (60%) and WGW (13%) biochars had the highest and lowest amount of stable organic carbon, respectively. The investigated treatments significantly (p≤ 0.01) affected the biochemical, physiological and performance traits of European borage. Application of DRW and manure biochars caused a significant (p ≤ 0.01) increase in yield and photosynthetic pigments of European borage compared to the control. Applying WGW biochar at the level of 2.5% increased the shoot dry weight of the plant by 119% compared to the control treatment. Application of 1.25% of cow manure biochar also increased the shoot dry weight by 29.7%. WGW biochar applying not only had no positive effect on the growth and yield of the European borage, but also lead the decreasing growth and prevent flower production of borage. The highest CAT activity related to applying 2.5% of DRW biochar and 1.25% of manure biochar. Application of WGW in concentration of 0.75% significantly increased the proline contents. Using biochar improves soil fertility.
 
Conclusion
In general, applying DRW biochar in concentration of 2.5% and cow manure biochar in concentration of 1.25% were the most suitable treatments. 

Keywords

Catalase; Electrical conductivity; Medicinal plant; Proline; Pyrolysis

References

1. Ajoy, S., Basak, B., & Atanu, B. (2022). In-vitro antioxidant evaluation and production of biochar from distillation waste biomass of Mentha arvensis. Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 31, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmap.2022.100428
2. Asada, K. (2006). Production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species in chloroplasts and their functions.  Plant Physiology, 141, 391–396. https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.106.082040
3. 3. Beheshti, M., Alikhani, H., Motesharezadeh, B., & Mohammadi, L. (2016). Quality variations of cow manure biochar generated at different pyrolysis temperatures.  Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 47, 259-267. (In Persian). https://doi.org/22059/IJSWR.2016.58332
4. Beiranvandi, M., Akbarib, N., Ahmadi, A., Mumivand, H., & Nazarian, F. (2022). Biochar and super absorbent polymer improved growth, yield, and phytochemical characteristics of Satureja rechingeri. Jamzad in water-deficiency conditions. Industrial Crops & Products, 183, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.114959
5. Bradford, M. (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. https://doi.org/10.1006/abio.1976.9999
6. Cely, P., Gasco, J., Paz-Ferreiro, p., & Mendez, A. (2015). Agronomic properties of biochars from different manure wastes. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 111, 173–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JAAP.2014.11.014
7. Chen, Y., Xie, T., Liang, Q., Liu, M., Zhao, M., Wang, M., & Wang, G. (2016). Effectiveness of lime and peat applications on cadmium availability in paddy soil under various moisture regimes. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 23, 7757-7766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2014.11.014
8. Duyen, N., Hanh, T.N., Thuong Thi, N., Thi Thanh, T.N., Rock Keey, L., Long Giang, B., Trinh Duy, N., Dai-Viet, N.V., & Thuan, V.T. (2021). Engineering conversion of Asteraceae plants into biochars for exploring potential applications: A review. Science of The Total Environment, 797, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149195
9. Elesti, A., & Javaid Garakhlou, J. (2014). A review on the effect of biochar on the absorption and leaching of herbicides. Weed Research Journal, 7, 1-20. (In Persian)
10. Esfandyari, A., Mahbob, S., & Shekari, F. (2009). Principles of plant physiology. Umid Publications Tabriz. 204 p_p. (In Persian)
11. Evesh, T., Sweta, B., Pooja, P., & Archana, N. (2019). Chapter 37 . Nonvitamin and Nonmineral Nutritional Supplements. Academic Press. 165-170. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-812491-8.00023-0
12. Fang, Y., Singh, B., Singh, B.P., & Krull, E. (2014). Biochar carbon stability in four contrasting soils. European Journal of Soil Sience, 65, 60-71. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejss.12094
13. Fernandes, J., Pereira, A., Saraiva, E., & Ramalhosa, S. (2019). Casal, Phytochemical characterization of Borago officinalis L. and Centaurea cyanus L. during flower development. Food Research International, 123, 771-778. https://doi 10.1016/j.foodres.2019.05.014
14. Gunes, A., Inal, M., Taskin, O., Sahin, E., Kaya, C., & Atakol, A. (2014). Effect of phosphorus-enriched biochar and poultry manure on growth and mineral composition of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) grown in alkaline soil. Soil Use and Management, 30, 182–188. https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.12114
15. Jabborova, D., Annapurna, K., Al-Sadi, A., Ali Alharbi, A., & Datta, R. (2021). Biochar and Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mediated enhanced drought tolerance in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plant growth root morphological traits and physiological properties. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 28, 5490–5499. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.08.016
16. Habibi, H., Motsharazadeh, B., & Alikhani, H. (2017). Effect of biochar and biological treatments on nutrient elements content (P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn) of Amaranthus in oil polluted soil. Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 48, 384-369. (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22059/IJSWR.2017.62645
17. Kok, E., Slek, I., & Ustum, A. (2010). Effect of cold on protein, proline, phenolic compounds and chlorophyll content of two pepper (Capsicum annum L.), varieties. Gazi University Journal of Science, 23, 1-6.
18. Inal, A., Gunes, O., Sahin, M., Taskin, B., & Kaya, C. (2015). Impacts of biochar and processed poultry manure, applied to a calcareous soil, on the growth of bean and maize. Soil Use and Management, 31, 106–113.
19. 19. Lal Arab, M., Astarai, A., & Lekzian, A. (2014). The effect of biochar on soybean plant growth characteristics and soil chemical characteristics. The first international conference and the fourth national conference on environmental and agricultural research in Iran. (In Persian)
20. Lehmann, J., & Joseph, S. (2009). Biochar for environmental management Biochar for Environmental Management. Science and Technology. 3rd Ed, London, Earthscan. https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.12162
21. Lehmann, J., Kuzyakov, Y., Pan, G., & Ok, Y.S. (2015). Biochars and the plant-soil interface Biochar amendment improves growth and the essential oil quality and quantity of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) grown under waste water and reduces environmental contamination from waste water disposal. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 446, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130674
22. Najafi Ghairi, M. (2014). The effect of using different biochars on soil characteristics and the ability to absorb some nutrients in a calcareous soil. Iranian Journal of Soil Research, 29, 352-358. (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22092/IJSR.2014.103501
23. Nigussie, A., Endalkachew, K., Mastawesha, M., & Gebermedihin, A. (2012). Effect of biochar application on soil properties and nutrient uptake of Lettuces (Lactuca sativa) grown in chromium polluted soils. American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Science, 12, 369–376.
24. Omidbeigi, R. (2000). Approaches to Production and Processing of Medicinal Plants. Astan Ghods Razavi Publications, Mashhad 438p_p.
25. Preston, C., & Schmidt, M. (2006). Blackcarbon:a synthesis of current knowledge and uncertainties with special consideration of boreal regions. Biogeoscience, 3, 397-420. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-3-397-2006, 2006

26- Rouhi, A., Taj-Bakhsh, M., Saidi, M., & Nikzad, P. (2018). The allelopathic effect of the aqueous extract of anther leaves on some germination and growth characteristics of wheat, onion, and lettuce seedlings. Iranian Journal of Field Crop Research, 7, 464-457. (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.29252/yujs.5.1.71

27. Song, W., & Guo, M. (2012). Quality variations of poultry litter biochar generated at different pyrolysis temperatures. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 94, 138-145.
28. Stella Mary, G., Sugumaran, P., & Niveditha, S. (2016). Production, characterization and evaluation of biochar from pod (Pisum sativum), leaf (Brassica oleracea) and peel (Citrus sinensis) wastes. International Journal of Recycling Organic Waste in Agriculture, 5, 43–53. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073829.
29. Suppadit, T., Phumkokrak, N., & Poungsuk, P. (2012). The effect of using quail litter biochar on soybean (Glycine max L.) production. Chilen Journal of Agricultural Research, 72, 244-251. http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-58392012000200013
30. Uzoma, K., Inoue, M., Andry, H., Fujimaki, A., Zahoor, A., & Nishihara, E. (2011). Effect of cow manure biochar on maize productivity under sandy soil condition. Soil Use and Management, 27, 205-212.
31. Vaccari, F., Baronti, S., Lugato, E., Genesio, L., Castaldi, F., Fornasier, S., & Miglietta, F. (2011). Biochar as a strategy to sequester carbon and increase yield in durum wheat. European Journal of Agronomy, 34, 231-238. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-2743.2011.00340
32. Yan, S., Zhang, S., & Yan, P. (2022). Effect of biochar application method and amount on the soil quality and maize yield in Mollisols of Northeast China. Biochar,4, 56. https://doi-org.ezp4.semanlib.cf/10.1007/s42773-022-00180-z.
33. Van Zwieten, L., Kimber, S., & Morris, S. (2010). Effects of biochar from slow pyrolysis of papermill waste on agronomic performance and soil fertility. Plant and Soil, 327, 235–246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-009-0050
34. Wen, Z., Chen, Y., Liu, Z., & Meng, J. (2022). Biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi stimulate rice root growth strategy and soil nutrient availability. European Journal of Soil Biology, 113, 103448.
35. Xu, C., Hosseini-Bai, S., Hao, Y., Rachaputi, RC., Wang, H., Xu, Z., & Wallace, H. (2015). Effect of biochar amendment on yield and photosynthesis of peanut on two types of soils. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 22, 6112-25. https://doi 10.1007/s11356-014-3820-9
36. Yang, H., & Sheng, K. (2012). Characterization of biochar properties affected by different pyrolysis temperatures using visible near infrared spectroscopy. International Scholary Research Network Spectroscopy. https://doi.org/10.5402/2012/712837
37. Zhang, X., Qu, J., Li, H., La, S., Tian, Y., & Gao, L. (2020). Biochar addition combined with daily fertigation improves overall soil quality and enhances waterfertilizer productivity of cucumber in alkaline soils of a semi-arid region. Geoderma, 363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.114170