Speaker
Description
In the context of increasing climate variability, prolonged drought, and growing pressure on freshwater resources, innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture are urgently needed. This study evaluates the combined use of treated wastewater and biochar as an integrated solution to enhance soil quality and improve the growth performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum), under conditions simulating water scarcity.
The experimental design included the use of well water and treated wastewater for irrigation, with and without biochar application. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses of the irrigation water were conducted, along with assessments of soil fertility. Agronomic and physiological parameters of wheat were measured, including plant height, biomass production, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and mineral uptake.
Results confirmed that treated wastewater complied with the quality standards for agricultural reuse. When combined with biochar, this practice significantly improved soil fertility and plant performance. Specifically, the soil showed a remarkable enrichment in carbon (+304.44%), phosphorus (+33%), and nitrogen (+71%) compared to the control. This improvement in soil nutrient content translated into enhanced plant growth, with plant height increasing by 125% and protein content in the wheat plants rising by 157%. These findings highlight the synergistic effect of biochar and treated wastewater, particularly under water-limited conditions, demonstrating their potential as a climate-resilient solution for sustainable agriculture.
This climate-resilient approach demonstrates how reusing treated wastewater and applying biochar can simultaneously address water scarcity, reduce the environmental impact of organic waste, and strengthen crop resilience to drought, aligning with the goals of climate-smart agriculture.
Keywords: wastewater, irrigation, biochar, Wheat, soil fertility
