Carbon nitride nano-biochar exhibit dose-dependent effect on rice growth

¹ Crop Nano Biology and Molecular Stress Physiology Lab, Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida - 201313
² Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida - 201313
³ Functional Polymer Material Lab, Department of Chemistry, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208002, India

^* Corresponding author: nidhikandhol29@gmail.com dktripathiau@gmail.com

Abstract

Biochar, a byproduct of biomass pyrolysis, has gained interest for its wideranging uses in agriculture and environmental remediation. Nano-biochar, in particular, holds promise for enhancing crop productivity and addressing environmental challenges faced by the plants. Its ability to improve soil properties and biological functions underscores its potential in sustainable agriculture. This study investigates the influence of a carbon-based nanobiocharcarbon nitride (C₃N₄, derived from melamine) on rice (Oryza sativa) growth. Despite the promise of nanostructured biochar materials in bolstering crop yields, their interaction with varying concentrations of C₃N₄ remains poorly understood. In this study, we studied the impact of five concentrations (0µM, 500µM, 1000µM, 1500µM, and 2000µM) of C₃N₄ on rice growth. Our results reveal a concentration-dependent response, with 1500µM and 2000µM concentrations exhibiting toxic effects on rice plants, while 500µM and 1000µM concentrations demonstrate positive effects on rice growth parameters (root-shoot length, fresh-dry biomass) with maximum values obtained in case of the latter. This research sheds light on the potential of C₃N₄ nanobiochars to influence the growth of crop plants, emphasizing the importance of optimizing concentrations for sustainable agricultural practices. Further exploration in this area could lead to finding of solutions for enhancing agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner.