Role of organic amendments in improving the morphophysiology and soil quality of Setaria italica under salinity

Abstract

Salinity negatively impacts soil fertility by impairing the development and physiological func-tions of foxtail millet plants. Organic amendments have emerged as a viable solution in the reclamation and management of salinity inflicted soils and improve the performance of crop. In this regard, a pot experiment was carried out to examine the effect of organic amendments (OAs) on soil quality and its influence on the growth and physiology of foxtail millet under saline and non-saline condition. The findings indicated that under salt stress conditions, the levels of proline, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and electrolyte leakage (EL) risen, whilst other physiological pa-rameters decrease in foxtail millet. However, the addition of OAs, particularly dhaincha and biochar (BC), has shown a promising salt tolerant amendment among others. Its addition improved the growth performance of salinity-stressed plants, including plant height, fresh and dry biomass, simultaneously decreased sodium ion (Na+) and improved calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+), and nitrate ion (NO3