Combined application of biochar and metal-tolerant bacteria alleviates cadmium toxicity by modulating the antioxidant defense mechanism and physicochemical attributes in rice (Oryza sativaL.) grown in cadmium-contaminated soil

•Cadmium (Cd) toxicity impairs plant growth through severe oxidative damage.•Soil-amended application of biochar parthenium hysterophorusL. improves soil physicochemical attributes and fertility to improve seed germination and growth and alter crop physiological attributes.•Cadmium-tolerant bacillus cereusstrain B2 reduced oxidative stress and improved plant growth.•Bacillus cereusstrain B2 biotransformed cadmium into a nontoxic form and reduced its uptake by rice (Oryza sativa L.).