Abstract

Application of organic inputs for arable soil is a common way to improve crop production. However, the interactions between organic amendments and drought are not fully known. The present study was conducted at Skolkovo University of Science and Technology, Moscow to compare the effect of three different organic-based supplements viz., humic acid, biochar and fulvic acid on the soil enzyme functional stability and shortterm wheat growth effects. Soil samples under same amount of organic carbon content were studied on wheat in greenhouse condition under three levels of water deficit irrigation: (1) control - no water deficit irrigation (70% of soil water holding capacity, WHC); (2) mild drought stress 50% WHC; (3) high drought stress (30% WHC). The response of the enzyme activities related to the C, N, and P cycles were analyzed after 1, 7, 14 and 28 days of incubation. The stress response of enzyme activities under drought conditions was noted to be constant and organic amendments removed it even in high drought stress. For wheat plants, stress due to limited water availability was successfully eliminated by organic amendments to an extent of mild drought levels.