Biochar Amendment in Combination with Endophytic Bacteria Stimulates Photosynthetic Activity and Antioxidant Enzymes to Improve Soybean Yield Under Drought Stress

Abstract The beneficial effects of biochar (BC) and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) to increase crop yields under harsh environments have been widely reported. However, the knowledge on synergistic BC PGPR induce drought tolerance in oilseeds is scant. In present study, cotton sticks derived together with strains ( Paraburkholderia phytofirmans Bacillus sp.) were examined water-stressed soybean plants. Initially, application rates (1% 2%) for optimized a pilot experiment (experiment I), most effective level (1%) was selected further studies second experiment. plants raised pots semi-controlled conditions subjected stress (25–30% water holding capacity) at pod formation stage. comparison control, drought-mediated decrease photosynthetic pigments gas exchange characteristics markedly lower PGPR-treated maximum (12–30%) enzymatic antioxidant activities (5–20%) recorded treated + P. , whereas no significant observed combined sp. deficit conditions. Similarly, considerably increased grain yield (14%) We conclude that could be utilized as an strategy improve dry arid regions.