EFFECT OF BIOCHAR APPLICATION ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF GLYCINE MAX (L.) MERR. UNDER DROUGHT STRESS

Drought is one of the most detrimental stresses which limit seed germination, plant growth, development and crop yield. The influence of corn cobbiochar producedat 450 degrees C by slow pyrolysis technique was investigated on seed germination and seedling growth of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. under drought condition. The experiment was sequenced according to Randomized Complete Block Design in three replicates. There were six treatments viz., Control (0 t ha(-1)biochar and no drought), drought, 10 t ha(-1)biochar, 20 t ha(-1) biochar, drought + 10 t ha(-1)biochar, drought + 20 t ha(-1)biochar. The results exhibited that under water stress seed vigor, germination percentage, shoot length, membrane stability index, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of soybean seedlings decreased significantly compared to control. However biochar applied @ 20 t ha(-1)proved to be more effective in mitigating the drought stress impacts in all these parameters. A significant increase (p>0.05) in sugar and proline content was observed while protein content and rate of seed germination were not affected significantly (p<0.05) in drought compared to control. Biochar applied @ 20 t ha(-1)mainly helped to decrease sugar and proline contents but other parameters remained unaffected. So, biochar can be appraised as effective tool to mitigate the impact of water stress on soybean seedlings. Long term effects of biochar on soybean production and soil properties particularly in drought prone areas could be suggested as future thrust.