Soil application of vermicompost modulates physiological and biochemical responses enhancing lead tolerance in hemp cultivated in lead-contaminated soils (2025)

• Hemp growth is negatively affected by Pb toxicity. • Pb mine stressed soil enhanced antioxidant enzymatic activities in leaves. • Soil applied vermicompost mitigate the phytotoxic effects of Pb. • Optimal usage of vermicompost is sustainable tool for alleviation of Pb stress. Industrial globalizat