This study investigated the effects of biochar (3%) and biofertilizer (1.5%) on cadmium (Cd)-contaminated cotton (*Gossypium hirsutum* L.) growth. Results showed that Cd negatively impacted chlorophyll, photosynthesis, and dry weight. However, biochar and biofertilizer significantly increased cotton dry weight (by 16.82% and 32.62%, respectively) and decreased Cd accumulation in cotton organs, particularly in bolls. Both amendments improved chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and intercellular CO2 concentration. Furthermore, they enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) in leaves and roots, reducing MDA content and electrolyte leakage. Redundancy analysis confirmed the positive effects of biochar and biofertilizer on cotton growth by reducing Cd-induced oxidative stress.

Yongqi Zhu, Haijiang Wang, Xin Lv, Yutong Zhang, Weiju Wang