Interaction Effect of Deficit Irrigation and Biochar on Quantitative Characteristics of Coriander in Sandy Loam Soil

Biochar as a porous material is rich in biological carbon in a stable form. Its structure is capable to store water and nutrients. Therefore, it is used for retention of such materials, especially in sandy soils. Biochar can improve water productivity in the agricultural sector in drought stress condition to achieve food security in the world. In order to study the effect of deficit irrigation and biochar on yield of coriander in a coarse-grained soil under water stress, this research was conducted using a factorial manner and a completely randomized design in the research greenhouse of Urmia University. The experimental treatments included three levels of irrigation: 100%, 75%, and 50% of the plant water requirement, and three levels of biochar application: 0, 2.5%, and 5% of the weight of each pot, which totally included 27 treatments. Irrigation was applied on the basis of plant requirement and soil water content below field capacity and the applied water was measured during the growing season. For each pot, quantitative parameters including weights of dry and wet plant, stem, leaf, and root were accurately measured. The results showed that the effects of irrigation levels and biochar on some measured parameters were significant at the probability level of 1% and 5%. The results demonstrate that by applying deficit irrigation, the measured quantitative parameters and plant yield decreased. The highest value of the parameters was obtained from the treatment of 100% water requirement and use of biochar up to the level of 2.5% of the soil. Therefore, applying suitable amount of the biochar as soil amendment improves coriander plant's growth and yield.