Effects of Biochar on Container Substrate Properties and Growth of Plants—A Review

Biochar refers to a processed, carbon-rich material made from biomass. This article provides a brief summary on the effects of biochar on container substrate properties and plant growth. Biochar could be produced through pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal carbonization of various feedstocks. Biochar produced through different production conditions and feedstocks affect its properties and how it performs when incorporated in container substrates. Biochar incorporation affects the physical and chemical properties of container substrates, including bulk density, total porosity, container capacity, nutrient availability, pH, electrical conductivity and cation exchange capacity. Biochar could also affect microbial activities. The effects of biochar incorporation on plant growth in container substrates depend on biochar properties, plant type, percentage of biochar applied and other container substrates components mixed with biochar. A review of the literature on the impact of biochar on container-grown plants without other factors (such as irrigation or fertilization rates) indicated that 77.3% of the studies found that certain percentages of biochar addition in container substrates promoted plant growth, and 50% of the studies revealed that plant growth decreased due to certain percentages of biochar incorporation. Most of the plants tested in these studies were herbaceous plants. More plant species should be tested for a broader assessment of the use of biochar. Toxic substances (heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dioxin) in biochars used in container substrates has rarely been studied. Caution is needed when selecting feedstocks and setting up biochar production conditions, which might cause toxic contaminants in the biochar products that could have negative effects on plant growth.

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Unveiling the Efficiency of Vermicompost Derived from Different Biowastes on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Plant Growth and Soil Health

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy9120791 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 791 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zubair Aslam ◽

Safdar Bashir ◽

Waseem Hassan ◽

Korkmaz Bellitürk ◽

Niaz Ahmad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Temporal Trends ◽

Soil Health ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Test Plant ◽

Cow Dung ◽

Aphid Infestation ◽

Physico Chemical ◽

Chemical Attributes ◽

The Impact

The present study was conducted to explore the role of different types of vermicomposts (VCs) prepared from different substrates to improve soil health (physical and chemical properties) and wheat plant growth under field conditions. Different combinations of vermicompost prepared from different substrates (cow dung, paper waste, and rice straw) and inorganic fertilizers were applied in soil using wheat as a test plant. The impact of three different VCs on physico-chemical characteristics and nutrient availability in soil was evaluated to examine their efficacy in combination with chemical fertilizers. Temporal trends in vermicomposting treatments at various stages showed significant improvement in physico-chemical attributes of the VCs substrates. All the plant physiological attributes showed significant response where N:P:K 100:50:50 kg ha−1 + 10 t ha−1 cow dung vermicompost was applied. In addition, post-harvest analysis of soil not only revealed that different combinations of the vermicomposting treatments improved the soil health by improving the physico-chemical attributes of the soil. Conclusively, application of cow dung vermicompost along with recommended NPK not only improved crop yield, soil health, reduced insect (aphid) infestation but also fortified grains with Zn and Fe.

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MEDIA ROOT TRAINER MENGANDUNG COCOPEAT DAN GAMBUT MENDUKUNG PERTUMBUHAN DAN KUALITAS AKAR BATANG BAWAH KARET / Root Trainer Media Containing Cocopeat and Peat to Support Growth and Quality of Rubber Rootstock Roots

Jurnal Penelitian Tanaman Industri ◽

10.21082/jlittri.v26n1.2020.23-31 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 23

Author(s):

Nur Eko Prasetyo ◽

Budi Setyawan ◽

Samijan Samijan ◽

Nofitri Dewi Rinojati ◽

Sumarmadji Sumarmadji

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Block Design ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Organic Content ◽

Exchange Capacity ◽

Duncan Multiple Range Test ◽

Randomized Block Design ◽

Physical And Chemical ◽

Range Test

The physical and chemical properties of the growing medium for root trainer of rubber are critical to support plant growth. This study aimed to obtain the best medium for growing rootstock rubber seedlings in the root trainer. Rubber clone PR 300 seeds were germinated for 21 days, then raised in root trainer pots for five months. The treatments evaluated were a mixture of cocopeat, Rawapening peat, and manure at different ratios. The experiment was designed in a Randomized Block Design, three replications, 30 plants per replicate, totaling 720 plants. The observed variables were N, P, K, Mg, C-organic content, pH, and cation exchange capacity of cocopeat, peat, and manure, as well as plant growth (height, stem diameter, wet weight, and dry weight). ANOVA used for analyzing data, followed with the Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level. The results showed that there were three best root trainer media for PR 300 rubber rootstock seedlings were a mixture of cocopeat + peat (1:1), cocopeat + peat + manure (1:2:1), and cocopeat + peat + manure (2:1:1). The growth and compactness of the roots are outstanding, so the seedlings are easily removed from the root trainer pots without significant damage. Based on the initiation and cost, the best root trainer medium is a mixture of cocopeat + peat + manure (1: 2:1). It is necessary to study the use of other types of peat soils apart from Rawapening. Also, it needs to be observed further plant growth after inoculation with the stem and after planting in the field.Keywords : Planting medium, Rawapening peat, rubber clone PR 300. Abstrak Sifat fisik dan kimia media tanam di dalam wadah root trainer bibit karet sangat penting untuk mendukung pertumbuhan tanaman. Penelitian ini bertujuan mendapatkan media terbaik untuk pertumbuhan bibit batang bawah karet di dalam root trainer. Benih klon karet PR 300 dikecambahkan selama 21 hari pada bedeng pengecambahan kemudian dipindah-tanam dan dibesarkan selama 5 bulan dalam pot root trainer. Perlakuannya yaitu campuran cocopeat, gambut Rawapening, dan pupuk kandang (pukan) pada berbagai ratio, dan kontrol. Penelitian dirancang secara Acak Kelompok, tiga ulangan, masing-masing 30 tanaman, sehingga totalnya 720 tanaman. Variabel yang diamati yaitu kandungan N, P, K, Mg, C-organik, pH, dan kapasitas tukar kation dari cocopeat, gambut, dan pupuk kandang, serta pertumbuhan tanaman (tinggi, diameter batang, bobot segar, dan bobot kering). Data dianalisis dengan ANOVA, kemudian Duncan Multiple Range Test pada taraf 5%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada tiga macam media root trainer terbaik untuk bibit batang bawah karet klon PR 300 yaitu campuran cocopeat + gambut (1:1), cocopeat + gambut + pukan (1:2:1), dan cocopeat + gambut + pukan (2:1:1). Pertumbuhan dan kekompakan akar sangat baik sehingga bibit mudah dilepas dari root tainer tanpa kerusakan berarti. Berdasarkan kepraktisan dan biaya maka media root trainer terbaik adalah campuran media cocopeat + gambut + pukan (1:2:1). Perlu dilakukan kajian mengenai pemanfaatan tanah gambut jenis lainnya selain dari Rawapening. Selain itu, juga perlu diamati lebih lanjut pertumbuhan tanaman setelah diokulasi dengan batang atas maupun setelah ditanam di lapangan.Kata kunci : Gambut Rawapening, klon karet PR 300, media tanam.

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Effects of Mixed Hardwood and Sugarcane Biochar as Bark-Based Substrate Substitutes on Container Plants Production and Nutrient Leaching

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10020156 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 156 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ping Yu ◽

Lan Huang ◽

Qiansheng Li ◽

Isabel M. Lima ◽

Paul M. White ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Sugarcane Bagasse ◽

Growth Index ◽

Total Porosity ◽

Nutrient Leaching ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Tomato Plants ◽

N Concentration ◽

Bagasse Biochar ◽

Leaf Greenness

Biochar (BC) has the potential to replace bark-based commercial substrates in the production of container plants. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of mixed hardwood biochar (HB) and sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB) to replace the bark-based commercial substrate. A bark-based commercial substrate was incorporated with either HB at 50% (vol.) or SBB at 50% and 70% (vol.), with a bark-based commercial substrate being used as the control. The total porosity (TP) and container capacity (CC) of all SBB-incorporated mixes were slightly higher than the recommended value, while, the others were within the recommended range. Both tomato and basil plants grown in the BC-incorporated mixes had a similar or higher growth index (GI), leaf greenness (indicated by soil-plant analyses development), and yield than the control. The leachate of all mixes had the highest NO3–N concentration in the first week after transplantation (1 WAT). All BC-incorporated mixes grown with both tomato and basil had similar NO3–N concentration to the control (except 50% SBB at 1 and 5 WAT, and 50% HB at 5 WAT with tomato plants; 50% SBB at 5 WAT with basil plants). In conclusion, HB could replace bark-based substrates at 50% and SBB at 70% for both tomato and basil plant growth, without negative effects.

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PRODUÇÃO DE MUDAS DE Eucalyptus dunnii EM SUBSTRATOS RENOVÁVEIS

FLORESTA ◽

10.5380/rf.v43i1.25989 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 125 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Dagma Kratz ◽

Ivar Wendling

Keyword(s):

Raw Materials ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Total Porosity ◽

Exchange Capacity ◽

Pine Bark ◽

Coconut Fiber ◽

Rice Hulls ◽

Eucalyptus Dunnii ◽

Physical And Chemical

A necessidade premente de aumento no número de mudas plantadas anualmente e a variabilidade de matérias-primas tradicionais para composição de substratos têm levado à necessidade de desenvolvimento de estudos que visem à avaliação da viabilidade técnica e econômica desses materiais. Com base nisso, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar a viabilidade técnica da utilização de vermiculita média (VM) e dos componentes renováveis à base de fibra de coco (FC), casca de arroz carbonizada (CAC) em diferentes granulometrias e dois substratos comerciais compostos por casca de pínus semidecomposta (SC) na composição de substratos para a produção de mudas de Eucalyptus dunnii, e avaliar a correlação das propriedades físicas e químicas dos substratos com a qualidade das mudas. Foram formulados 14 tratamentos, sendo a semeadura realizada em tubetes de 55 cm³. Com base nos resultados obtidos, o substrato que proporcionou maior crescimento das mudas de Eucalyptus dunnii foi o CAC combinado com VM, seguido dos SC, enquanto aqueles à base de CAC em diferentes granulometrias, combinadas ou não com FC, proporcionaram baixo crescimento. Quanto às propriedades dos substratos, verificou-se que densidade aparente, porosidade total, macroporosidade, pH e capacidade de troca catiônica apresentaram correlação com o crescimento das mudas.Palavras-chave: Eucalipto; casca de arroz carbonizada; fibra de coco; casca de pínus.AbstractSeedlings of Eucalyptus dunnii grown in renewable substrate. The pressing need to increase the number of seedlings planted annually and variability of raw materials for traditional composition of substrates have led to the need to develop studies aimed at evaluating these materials, technically and economically feasible. Based on this, the present study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of using fine vermiculite (VF) and component-based renewable coconut fiber (FC), rice hulls (CAC) in different grain sizes and two commercial substrates composed by pine bark semidecomposta (SC) in the composition of substrates for the production of seedlings of Eucalyptus dunnii, and assess the correlation between the physical and chemical properties of the substrates with the quality of the seedlings. 14 treatments were formulated, and the sowing in tubes of 55 cm³. Based on these results, the substrate that provided greater seedling growth of Eucalyptus dunnii CAC was combined with VF, followed by the SC, while those based CAC in different particle sizes, combined or not with CF, gave low growth. Regarding the properties of the substrates, it was identified that the bulk density, total porosity, macroporosity, pH and cation exchange capacity correlated with seedling growth.Keywords: Eucalyptus; rice hulls; coconut fiber; pine bark.

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Chemical properties of soils treated with biological sludge from gelatin industry

Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo ◽

10.1590/s0100-06832012000200034 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 653-660 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Rita de Cássia Melo Guimarães ◽

Mara Cristina Pessôa da Cruz ◽

Manoel Evaristo Ferreira ◽

Carlos Alberto Kenji Taniguchi

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter Content ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Exchange Capacity ◽

Matter Content ◽

P Availability ◽

Base Content ◽

Biological Sludge ◽

Randomized Design ◽

Chemical Properties Of Soils ◽

The Impact

The impact of agro-industrial organic wastes in the environment can be reduced when used in agriculture. From the standpoint of soil fertility, residue applications can increase the organic matter content and provide nutrients for plants. This study evaluated the effect of biological sludge from gelatin industry on the chemical properties of two Ultisols (loamy sand and sandy clay) and an Oxisol (clay). The experiment lasted 120 days and was carried out in laboratory in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement, combining the three soils and six biological sludge rates (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 m³ ha-1), with three replications. Biological sludge rates of up to 500 m³ ha-1 decreased soil acidity and increased the effective cation exchange capacity (CEC) and N, Ca, Mg, and P availability, without exceeding the tolerance limit for Na. The increase in exchangeable base content, greater than the effective CEC, indicates that the major part of cations added by the sludge remains in solution and can be lost by leaching.

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Arcillite: Effect on Chemical and Physical Properties of Pine Bark Substrate and Plant Growth

Journal of Environmental Horticulture ◽

10.24266/0738-2898-10.2.63 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 63-69 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Stuart L. Warren ◽

Ted E. Bilderback

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Total Porosity ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Pine Bark ◽

Irrigation Frequency ◽

Shoot Dry Weight ◽

Air Space ◽

Physical And Chemical ◽

And Chemical Properties

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effect of arcillite, a calcined montmorillonite and illite clay, on the physical and chemical properties of a pine bark growth substrate and plant growth. To accomplish this, Cotoneaster dammeri ‘Skogholm’ and Rhododendron sp. ‘Sunglow’ were potted into pine bark substrate amended with 0, 27, 54, 67 or 81 kg/m3 (0, 45, 90, 112 or 136 lbs/yd3) arcillite. Plants were irrigated every l, 2, or 4 days. Container capacity, available water, and bulk density increased with increasing arcillite rate. Air space decreased with increasing arcillite rate. Total porosity and unavailable water were not affected by arcillite. Substrate NH4, NO3, P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations increased with decreasing irrigation frequency. Substrate NH4, P, and K concentrations increased with increasing arcillite rate suggesting that arcillite improved retention within the container substrate. Azalea ‘Sunglow’ shoot dry weight decreased linearly with decreasing irrigation frequency and increased curvilinearly with increasing arcillite with maximum dry weight occurring at 67 kg/m3 (l12 lbs/yd2). Cotoneaster ‘Skogholm’ shoot dry weight increased linearly with increasing arcillite rate at 2 and 4 day irrigations and curvilinearly at 1 day irrigation with maximum weight at 67 kg/m3 (112 lbs/yd2).

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Effects of corn straw biochar application on soybean growth and alkaline soil properties

BioResources ◽

10.15376/biores.15.1.1463-1481 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 1463-1481

Author(s):

Defu Liu ◽

Zhenyue Feng ◽

Hongde Zhu ◽

Lihe Yu ◽

Kejun Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ph Value ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Exchange Capacity ◽

Organic Carbon Content ◽

Alkaline Soil ◽

Alkaline Soils ◽

Corn Straw ◽

Loading Level ◽

Physico Chemical ◽

The Impact

Pot experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of biochar loading level on soybean growth and physico-chemical properties of alkaline soil. Biochar derived from corn straw was mixed with alkaline soil at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% loading levels and exposed to the natural elements. Soybean was used as the test crop. The results indicated that a single application of biochar positively and significantly improved soybean productivity and quality attributes of the tested alkaline soil. Soybean yield peaked at 5% loading level, but it declined at 10% loading. Applications of biochar at 5% and 10% loading significantly increased total soil porosity by 4.14% and 5.09%, and decreased the soil pH value by 0.07 and 0.24 units, respectively. Biochar addition significantly increased water holding capacity, total organic carbon content, total nitrogen, Olsen-P, available potassium, and cation exchange capacity. The results indicated that applications of corn straw biochar to alkaline soil improved soybean growth and promoted the physico-chemical properties of alkaline soil. However, the negative effects of increased C:N ratios and soil exchange sodium percentages at higher biochar loading levels should be taken into account when applying biochar as amendments to alkaline soils.

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Effects of Nanomaterials on Plant Growth at Molecular Level

Current Materials Science ◽

10.2174/2666145414666210521213759 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 ◽

Author(s):

Yuxin Li ◽

Yukui Rui ◽

Bo Huang ◽

Mengyuan Liu ◽

Adeel Muhammad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Wall ◽

Plant Growth ◽

Crop Yield ◽

Molecular Level ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Stimulate Plant Growth ◽

Carbon Based Nanomaterials ◽

The Impact ◽

Positive Effect ◽

Increase Crop Yield

Abstract: Nanomaterials are widely used in all walks of life, bringing great changes to our life and production. In addition, nanomaterials have also been used in agriculture. The most common ones are carbon-based nanomaterials and TiO2 nanoparticles, which can stimulate plant growth and increase crop yield. However, not all nanomaterials have a positive effect on plant growth. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the influence of nanomaterials on plants after entering the environment. Nanomaterials can be inhaled directly or through endocytosis. Some nanomaterials will become the corresponding ion state to enter the plant, while some larger nanomaterials will block cell wall channels or adsorb on the surface of plants. Nanoparticles (NPs) enter the plant can produce positive or negative effects on the plant's genes, proteins. This paper discusses the impact of nanomaterials on plant growth and the molecular level.

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Characterization of pyrolysis products derived from three biological wastes and their effect on plant growth and soil water retention

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/20183702004 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 37 ◽

pp. 02004

Author(s):

Laila Bouqbis ◽

Hans Werner Koyro ◽

Claudia Kammann ◽

Lalla Fatima Zohra Ainlhout ◽

Laila Boukhalef ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Resources ◽

Plant Growth ◽

Groundwater Resources ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Wood Chip ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Irrigated Agriculture ◽

Toxic Substances ◽

Soil Water Retention

Over two-thirds of Morocco can be classified as semiarid, arid and desert with low and variable rainfalls. While the country is subject to frequent drought, groundwater resources are predominantly consume by irrigated agriculture leading to the depletion of water resources and degradation of soil quality. Application of bio-resources wastes to soils after pyrolysis process is well documented to help retain water and nutrients in soils. In this study, three bio-resources wastes derived from argan shells, wood chip, a blend of paper sludge and wheat husks are characterized for physical and chemical properties. To determine the potential impact of salt stress and toxic substances the second part of this study focused on the effect these bio-resources wastes have on germination of salad and barley respectively. The three bio-resources obtained from different biomass showed some unique properties compared to the soil, such as high electrical conductivity (EC), high content of K, Na and Mg, low content of heavy metals. Moreover, the water holding capacities increased with increasing application of bio-resources wastes. Concerning the phytotoxic tests, no negative effect was observed neither for salad (Lactuca sativa L.) nor for barley (Hordeum vulgare) indicating that the three bio-resources could be safely used for agriculture. Collectively, the use of these bio-resources wastes as a soil amendment is anticipated to increase both water and nutrient and could provide the potential for a better plant growth mainly in semiarid, arid and desert climatic conditions like the case of Morocco in which the agricultural practices reserve a majority of the water resources to be used for irrigation.

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Evaluation of the Effects of New Environmental Additives Compared to Mineral Fertilizers on the Leaching Characteristics of Some Anions and Cations under Greenhouse Plant Growth of Saline-Sodic Soils

The Open Agriculture Journal ◽

10.2174/1874331502014010246 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 246-256

Author(s):

Mohamed Hafez ◽

Alexander I. Popov ◽

Mohamed Rashad

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Exchange Capacity ◽

Mineral Fertilizers ◽

Organic Additives ◽

Sodic Soils ◽

Organic Cultivation ◽

Leaching Characteristics ◽

Spent Grain ◽

Anions And Cations

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine and monitor the influences of organic and biological additives compared to mineral fertilizers on leaching characteristics of anions and cations, also to know more about the ability of these additives to make complexes with dissolved and toxic salts to decrease soil salinity. Background: Salt-affected soils comprise of saline and sodic soils which differ in origin, physico-chemical properties and the constraints to plant growth. Due to the presence of excess soluble salts (e.g. sodium (Na+) and chlorides (Cl-)). Methods: Ten treatments were established, including two levels of spent grain (environmental organic wastes from the beer industry), S1(10 g of spent grain / kg soil) and S2 ( 20 g of spent grain / kg soil); two levels of compost M1(10 g of compost / kg soil) and M2 ( 20 g of compost / kg soil); mixed M1 with S1 (M1S1); inoculation of Azospirillum brasilense (A1); inoculation A1 with S2 (A1S1); inoculation A1 with M1 (A1M1); 20:20:20 of N, P, and K fertilizers (NPK), and control (CK, without any additives). All treatments were mixed with 30 kg soil pots under greenhouse conditions, corn (Zea mayz L.) seeds were sown in the soil pots. The most relevant nitrogen and salt in soil leachates were collected and analysed every 20 days for 100 days. The soil leachates were collected under plant growth from pots by closed system. Results: The result revealed that organic additives such as A1 and S2 treatments effectively decreased soil pH, soil EC, and reduced NaCl concentration in soil leachates. The Ca2+ and K+ cations in the soil leachates were not stable at high levels of organic additives. Soluble NO3- and NH4+ were significantly lower in A1, S2, and A1S1 treatments than in NPK, M2, and CK treatments. Soil treatment with A1 and S2 significantly improved the soil chemical environment by increasing the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and soluble and exchangeable-K+ and thus limited entry of Na+ into the exchange complex in soil and consists complex with soluble Na+ as sodium humate form. Conclusion: In the final, the highest nitrogen use efficiency with the least NO3- and NH4+ losses in saline-sodic soil was also found in S2 and A1 treatments. Moreover, under this bio-organic fertilization way, NO3- concentrations in soil leachates was outside of danger of damaging the environment. Thus, spent grain with Azospirillum were suggested to be the optimal fertilizer with the lowest nitrogen leaching losses, best yield, quality, and the least groundwater environmental risk under corn (Zea mays L.) organic and bio-organic cultivation comparing with chemical cultivation.

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