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Abstract

Salinity is an increasing limitation to carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) production, as it affects plant growth, flowering, water relations, mineral nutrition and physiological stability. This study was conducted to determine the potential of plant-derived biochar to alleviate the negative effects of salinity and to maintain the performance of carnation. Plants were treated with 0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl and grown in media supplemented with 0, 2 or 4% biochar. The following traits were assessed: growth and flowering, chlorophyll pigments, relative water content (RWC), antioxidant enzymes, proline, mineral concentrations and oxidative damage indicators. Soil properties, such as electrical conductivity, pH, cation-exchange capacity (CEC), and organic carbon were also assessed. Increasing salinity gradually decreased plant height, biomass, flowering, RWC and chlorophyll concentrations but increased Na+ accumulation, H2O2, MDA and electrolyte leakage. Salinity also disrupted K⁺ and Ca²⁺ nutrition and lowered the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio. Biochar significantly lessened negative effects. Plants treated showed better growth and flowering, higher water status and chlorophyll content and lower oxidative damage compared with plants grown without biochar at the same level of salinity. Biochar also enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and proline accumulation, suggesting improved antioxidant and osmotic protection. Biochar also decreased Na⁺ uptake while increasing K⁺ and Ca²⁺ levels, resulting in a more favorable K⁺/Na⁺ ratio. The 2% level of biochar was the most consistent in improving the response and the 4% level did not always show additional benefits. The findings indicate that the biochar derived from plants can assist the carnations in coping with salinity by improving the environment in the root zone, maintaining the balance of water and minerals and reinforcing the natural defense systems of the plant. These results show the potential of biochar as a practical and sustainable amendment for carnation production in saline irrigation water concerns. More greenhouse and field research is needed to confirm the optimum rate of application and to evaluate its effectiveness under long-term saline irrigation.

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