Effect of Biochar on Plant Growth and Soil Properties in Arid Conditions through Greenhouse Evaluation

Sania  Kanwal; Satesh Kumar  Devrajani; Zeeshan  Memon; Saif Ali Khan Hashmani

Authors

Sania Kanwal Department of Sciences of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Via 8 Febbraio, 2, 35122, Padova, Italy. Author
Satesh Kumar Devrajani Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123, Brescia, Italy. Author
Zeeshan Memon Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China. Author
Saif Ali Khan Hashmani Department of Energy and Environment, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Sindh Agriculture University, TandoJam, Pakistan Author

Keywords:

Biochar, Pyrolysis, Soil fertility, Plant Growth, Greenhouse

Abstract

Significant obstacles to agriculture exist in arid and semi-arid areas, such as scarce water supplies, deteriorated soils, and hazardous chemicals. The purpose of this study is to determine whether adding biochar—which is made from the leftovers of cabbage—to soil can enhance its quality and promote plant development in these kinds of environments. Various quantities of biochar (0 to 5.0% wt/wt) were added to alkaline sandy loam soil in controlled greenhouse trials to assess the impact on soil characteristics and tomato plant performance. The relationship between the application of biochar and plant development was found to be complex. The growth of tomatoes was negatively impacted by higher biochar concentrations (2.5% wt/wt), but there was no discernible difference in biomass between the 1.0% biochar treatment and the control. Notably, biochar application affected nutrient dynamics in tomato leaves, with increasing biochar levels linked to higher proline concentrations. Additionally, biochar significantly altered soil properties, with electrical conductivity (EC) and pH rising by 35.8% to 192.4% and 1.6% to 5.5%, respectively, compared to the control. This investigation highlights the potential of biochar as an effective soil amendment for improving soil quality and agricultural sustainability but emphasizes the need for tailored application rates to match specific environmental conditions.

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