CONSTRAINTS IN SALT-AFFECTED SOIL AND THEIR MANAGEMENT THROUGH BIOCHAR APPLICATION: A REVIEW

Plant growth is restricted in soils that have salinity and sodicity problems. In arable farming, salinity of soils is the most common threat to soil productivity. Salt-affected soil is a widespread issue that affects more than 100 countries worldwide. If we are to tackle the challenges of global food security, we have to cultivate barren salt-affected soils. Soil affected by salt can be reclaimed using inorganic and organic sources. The choice of an ameliorant for a given site depends largely on its geographical and physicochemical characteristics. Currently, biochar is a popular soil amendment. Salt-affected soils can be improved physically, chemically, and biologically by adding biochar. As a result of the biochar application, drought-stressed and salt-stressed plants increased their growth, biomass, nutrient uptake, and yield. Uptake of sodium by plants was decreased by biochar when exposed to salt stress, but it was increased by potassium. An increase in tolerance to salt by plant can be attributed to soil properties, reduce sodium uptake, improved nutrients uptake, and regulate phyto-hormones levels and stomata opening and closing. Throughout this paper, the main focus was to review the constraints in salt-affected soil and discuss recent studies related to the effects of biochar on soil properties and plant growth. Further information was also provided on the functions of biochar as a soil amendment, and its interactions with soil and plants to overcome problems and improve crop yield.