Journal of Agriculture and Livestock Farming

ABSTRACT

Regarding plant defense management (PDM), synthetic chemicals for pathogens (SCP) promote incredible plant growth. Conversely, SCP affects the plant by accumulating toxic chemicals, posing serious health risks and malnutrition. SCP has negative side effects that start during production because they produce harmful byproducts contributing to environmental pollution, and their application induces negative effects on soil physiochemical and biological properties. Biochar and mineral nutrients (BMN) impart positive impacts on PDM. BMN contributes to PDM by enhancing plant’s metabolic and enzymatic activities (MEA). PDM includes the management of the entire plant’s defense, including root and foliar disease management. The availability of certain nutrients leads to PDM. BMN follows an integrated pathogen and pest management system (IPPM) by providing essential nutrients to plant’s MEA. Using BMN-containing soil amendments provides a promising strategy that is consistently accompanied by the circular economy’s emphasis on zero waste and works as a critical part of IPPM. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a toxicological risk assessment and research aiming to fully understand the impacts of biochar and the best methods for using it for PDM.

Article History

KEYWORDS

1. Plant defense management
2. Synthetic chemicals
3. Biochar
4. Mineral nutrients
5. Integrated pathogen and pest management
6. Soil management