Dynamic of Morphological and Physiological Parameters and Variation of Soil Characteristics during Miscanthus x giganteus Cultivation in the Diesel-Contaminated Land

Miscanthus x giganteus (M. x giganteus) is a perspective plant produced on marginal and contaminated lands with biomass used for energy or bioproducts. In the current study, M. x giganteus development was tested in the diesel-contaminated soils (ranged from 250 mg kg(-1) to 5000 mg kg(-1)) and the growth dynamic, leaves quantity, plants total area, number of harvested stems and leaves, SPAD and NPQt parameters were evaluated. Results showed a remarkable M. x giganteus growth in a selected interval of diesel-contaminated soil with sufficient harvested biomass. The amendment of soil by biochar 1 (produced from wastewater sludge) and biochar 2 (produced from a mixture of wood waste and biohumus) improved the crop's morphological and physiological parameters. Biochar 1 stimulated the increase of the stems' biomass, while biochar 2 increased the leaves biomass. The plants growing in the uncontaminated soil decreased the content of NO3, pH (KCl), P2O5 and increased the content of NH4. Photosynthesis parameters showed that incorporating biochar 1 and biochar 2 to the diesel-contaminated soil prolonged the plants' vegetation, which was more potent for biochar 1. M. x giganteus utilization united with biochar amendment can be recommended to remediate diesel-contaminated land in concentration range 250-5000 mg kg(-1).

Automated summary

The study showed that Miscanthus x giganteus can grow well in a certain range of diesel-contaminated soil and produce sufficient biomass. Adding biochar has positive effects on the crop's morphology and physiological parameters, with biochar 1 stimulating stem growth and biochar 2 increasing leaf growth.