Modulation of soil aeration and antioxidant defenses with hydrogen peroxide improves the growth of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants

Soils with subsurface drip irrigation are often characterized by hypoxia, which could impair the aerobic respiration of roots and the productive potential of crops. Irrigation with hydrogen peroxide oxygenated water (HPOW) is one way to improve soil aeration in the rhizosphere. However, few studies have focused on exploring the interaction of HPOW with soil aeration and productivity of crops. The current work aimed to investigate the effects of four levels of HPOW [0 ppm H2O2 solution (tap water) as a control (H0), 600 ppm, 800 ppm and 1000 ppm H2O2 solution (H600, H800 and H1000)] on irrigation water properties, soil aeration, antioxidant defenses, growth biomarkers and yield components in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants. Results confirmed that dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in H600, H800 and H1000 were significantly increased by 52.10%–126.59% and surface tension coefficients were significantly decreased by 17.72%–31.60% as compared to H0. DO concentrations in soil solutions irrigated with H600, H800 and H1000 were significantly elevated by 9.78%–15.68% as compared to H0, and the maximum value equal to 7.44 mg L−1 was found at a soil depth of 20 cm. Further, H600 and H800 reduced concentrations of malondialdehyde and H2O2 in leaves, increased accumulation of proline and activities of antioxidant enzymes, and resulted in an enhancement in grain yield of 15.28% and 25.23%, respectively. Application of H1000 resulted in lower growth biomarkers and yield components due to oxidative stress induced by decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes and accumulation of proline as well as elevated levels of lipid peroxidation as compared to H600 and H800. The optimal regulation was achieved with the H800 treatment. Overall, HPOW improved the plants growth by modulating soil aeration and antioxidant defenses which enhanced tolerance to hypoxic stress.