Horticulturae

Research

17 pages, 3241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Compost and Biochar as Partial Substitutes of Peat in Growing Media and Their Influence in Microbial Counts, Enzyme Activity and Lactuca sativa L. Seedling Growth

by Amanda Rozas, Humberto Aponte, Carlos Maldonado, Rodrigo Contreras-Soto, Jorge Medina and Claudia Rojas

Horticulturae 2023, 9(2), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9020168 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2394

Abstract

The main organic input for the elaboration of growing media is peat (Sphagnum spp.), due to its physical and chemical characteristics. However, the mining of this material creates a considerable impact in the local ecosystems from which this is obtained, along with [...] Read more.

The main organic input for the elaboration of growing media is peat (Sphagnum spp.), due to its physical and chemical characteristics. However, the mining of this material creates a considerable impact in the local ecosystems from which this is obtained, along with a global impact because of the emission of greenhouse gasses. Thus, sustainable materials that can replace, or reduce the use of peat, while maintaining or improving attributes in the growing media and plant growth, are greatly needed. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the effects of the use of different proportions of compost and biochar on the biological characteristics of growing media and (Lactuca sativa L.) seedling growth prior to transplanting. Out of the biological variables evaluated, the β-glucosidase activity showed the greatest results in growing media based on 80% peat and based on 70% peat, 5% compost and 5% biochar. Moreover, growing media based on the combination of compost, biochar and peat maintained most of the Lactuca sativa L. (Oak Leaf variety) seedling traits obtained in the growing media based on only peat. These findings emphasize the need to further investigate further biological conditions for alternative materials to peat, and the need to pay attention to feedstock initial characteristics and processing in order to obtain high quality organic inputs for optimum growing media. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Chars in Growing Media)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1219 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Suitability of Co-Composted Biochar with Spent Coffee Grounds Substrate for Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Fruiting Stage

by Giuseppe Picca, Asier Goñi-Urtiaga, Cristina Gomez-Ruano, César Plaza and Marco Panettieri

Horticulturae 2023, 9(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9010089 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2824 | Correction

Abstract

Peat is the predominant component of growing media in soilless horticultural systems. However, peat extraction from peatlands destroys these fragile ecosystems and emits greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Peat replacement by other growing media is, thus, paramount to ensure a more sustainable horticultural sector. [...] Read more.

Peat is the predominant component of growing media in soilless horticultural systems. However, peat extraction from peatlands destroys these fragile ecosystems and emits greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Peat replacement by other growing media is, thus, paramount to ensure a more sustainable horticultural sector. This study investigated the agronomical performances of two spent coffee ground-based composts with and without biochar, during three different stages of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) development: seeds germination (0–6 days), seedling development (7–49 days), and plant-to-fruit maturity (36–100 days). The two composts were used as peat replacement and mixed with peat at four different volumetric proportions: 100% (pure compost), 50%, 30%, and 15%. The substrates had a stimulant effect on seed germination but induced stunted growth due to the elevated electrical conductivity. For the latest stages of plant development, compost with and without biochar mixed with peat at 50% promoted an increase in fruit production of 60.8% and 100.3%, compared to the control substrate. The present study provides evidence that combining biochar with spent coffee ground compost represents a potential alternative for peat-based growing media promoting a circular production model in the horticultural sector, but the results are dilution- and plant development stage-dependent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Chars in Growing Media)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Biochar Mixed into Peat Substrate on Lettuce Growth and Nutrient Supply

by Álvaro F. García-Rodríguez, Francisco J. Moreno-Racero, José M. García de Castro Barragán, José M. Colmenero-Flores, Nicolas Greggio, Heike Knicker and Miguel A. Rosales

Horticulturae 2022, 8(12), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8121214 - 18 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4076

Abstract

The use of peat in traditional cultivation systems and in commercial nurseries is an environmental problem. In this work, we evaluated the partial replacement of peat with different amounts of biochar sourced from vineyard pruning as plant growing substrates. We studied its effect [...] Read more.

The use of peat in traditional cultivation systems and in commercial nurseries is an environmental problem. In this work, we evaluated the partial replacement of peat with different amounts of biochar sourced from vineyard pruning as plant growing substrates. We studied its effect on the growth of lettuce plants under greenhouse and semi-hydroponic conditions. Substrate mixtures contained 30% (v/v) of vermiculite and 70% (v/v) of different biochar:peat treatments as follows: 0:70 (B0), 15:55 (B15), 30:40 (B30), 50:20 (B50), and 70:0 (B70). Higher biochar treatments increased the pH and electrical conductivity of the substrate, negatively affecting plant growth and germination (especially in B70). The partial substitution of peat by 30% biochar (B30) delayed seed germination but improved plant growth and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), with shoots containing higher levels of organic nitrogen and nitrate. Moreover, it increased the water holding capacity (WHC) and led to an efficient use of nutrients. Our study demonstrates that biochar can successfully replace and reduce peat and N fertilizer consumption. This has the potential to promote more sustainable farming with positive impacts on both plant growth and the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Chars in Growing Media)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 3538 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Characterization of the Residue (Endocarp) of Acrocomia aculeata and Its Biochars as a Potential Source for Soilless Growing Media

by Regina León-Ovelar, M. Elena Fernández-Boy and Heike Knicker

Horticulturae 2022, 8(8), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8080739 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2142

Abstract

Endocarp residues remaining after coconut oil extraction from Acrocomia aculeate are traditionally used for combustion as fuel. As an alternative, we propose its conversion into biochar to substitute peat in planting substrates. To test the feasibility of this approach, untreated endocarp residues (particle [...] Read more.

Endocarp residues remaining after coconut oil extraction from Acrocomia aculeate are traditionally used for combustion as fuel. As an alternative, we propose its conversion into biochar to substitute peat in planting substrates. To test the feasibility of this approach, untreated endocarp residues (particle size approx. 10 mm) and materials shredded into particles of 4 and 1 mm were pyrolyzed at 200 °C, 325 °C and 450 °C and were subsequently characterized. The pyrolysis-induced loss of organic matter increased the ash contents and pH. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirmed the aromatization and a loss of carboxyl C with an increasing pyrolysis temperature. This is commonly associated with an enhanced biochemical recalcitrance. The particle size of the feedstock had no significant effect on the chemical composition or microporosity (BET-adsorption with CO_s) of the biochars, but affected their water holding capacity. With respect to macro- and micronutrients, only the potassium and Olsen P levels occurred in concentrations that are optimal for tomato seed growth. The low nitrogen level of the products may be advantageous for hydroponic culturing since it allows for a higher flexibility for the adaptation of nutrient contents based on the needs of the used culture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Chars in Growing Media)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2431 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Plant Growth and Chemical Properties of Commercial Biochar- versus Peat-Based Growing Media

by Bruno Glaser and Angela Amma Asieduaa Asomah

Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040339 - 16 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2878

Abstract

Peatlands have been irreversibly destroyed by draining and mining for horticulture, in the course of which tremendous amounts of greenhouse gasses were released into the atmosphere. To avoid this in the future, sustainable alternatives are urgently needed to substitute peat as growing media. [...] Read more.

Peatlands have been irreversibly destroyed by draining and mining for horticulture, in the course of which tremendous amounts of greenhouse gasses were released into the atmosphere. To avoid this in the future, sustainable alternatives are urgently needed to substitute peat as growing media. An appropriate alternative could be biochar, because it has beneficial effects on nutrient availability and retention, water holding capacity, and organic matter stability. In this study, we compared three different commercially available biochar-containing growing media (Palaterra, Sonnenerde, Terra Magica) with three commercially available peat-based growing media (CompoSana, Dehner die leichte, Dehner mit Vorratsdünger), in a randomized greenhouse pot experiment. Pure sand was used as a control and, to test a potential amount effect, we mixed the used growing media with increasing amounts of pure sand (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 volume % of individual growing media). The consecutive yields of several agronomically relevant cereals (barley, wheat, and maize) were measured in the mixtures mentioned previously. Additionally, the contents of biochar, amino sugar, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were measured in each pure growing media before and after the growth experiments. Only Sonnenerde exhibited an increased plant yield of 30–40% compared with peat-based growing media. The growing media exhibited no significant differences of chemical soil properties during the experiment. Only slight tendencies are recognizable towards higher fungal community in biochar- and peat-based growing media. A clear fungi contribution was observed in Palaterra, most probably due to the fact that fungi was a production ingredient. Surprisingly, peat-based growing media also contained about 30 g kg⁻¹ black carbon, a polycondensed aromatic carbon typical for biochar. Overall, our results indicated that biochar-containing growing media, especially Sonnenerde, is a potential alternative for peat-based growing media in horticulture and can enhance degraded soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Chars in Growing Media)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Different Methods of Root-Zone Application of Biochar-Based Fertilizers on Young Cocoa Plants: Insights from a Pot-Trial

by Johannes Meyer zu Drewer, Mareike Köster, Issaka Abdulai, Reimund Paul Rötter, Nikolas Hagemann and Hans Peter Schmidt

Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040328 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6519

Abstract

Effective and efficient nutrient management is central to best-practice agriculture, facilitating sustainable intensification while reducing negative externalities. The application of biochar-based fertilizers (BBF) in tropical agronomy has the potential to improve nutrient management by enhancing nutrient availability and uptake. Here, we performed pot-trials [...] Read more.

Effective and efficient nutrient management is central to best-practice agriculture, facilitating sustainable intensification while reducing negative externalities. The application of biochar-based fertilizers (BBF) in tropical agronomy has the potential to improve nutrient management by enhancing nutrient availability and uptake. Here, we performed pot-trials with Theobroma cacao L. seedlings planted in an Oxisol with critically low phosphorus levels. Four fertilizer levels were deployed, including BBFs using micro-dosed biochar (16 g plant⁻¹ i.e., 0.3% soil amendment w/w) charged with mineral fertilizer. Three different fertilizer-placement levels (topsoil, root-zone hotspot and root-zone layer) were evaluated. The results from the topsoil application of mineral fertilizer (farmer practice) served as the reference data. The root-zone layer application of BBF increased the aboveground biomass, total leaf area and chlorophyll content index by 56%, 222%, and 140% respectively. Foliar phosphorus levels were also significantly elevated by 53%. The N:P ratio of the foliar tissue was improved, indicating the potential of BBF to ameliorate P limitations. Thus, low dosages of biochar, which is upgraded to BBF, can considerably improve plant nutrition. Small scale technology to produce biochar can be easily adopted and integrated in T. cacao systems. We suggest that BBF production and application within tropical, perennial systems can contribute to achieving a range of sustainable development goals (SDGs), including climate action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Chars in Growing Media)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 3007 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Benefits and Limitations of Using Hydrochars from Organic Residues as Replacement for Peat on Growing Media

by Gianluigi Farru, Chau Huyen Dang, Maja Schultze, Jürgen Kern, Giovanna Cappai and Judy A. Libra

Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040325 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3295

Abstract

New technologies for the production of peat-substitutes are required to meet the rising demand for growing media in horticulture and the need to preserve natural peatlands. Hydrothermal conversion of organic residues into char materials, hydrochars, with peat-like properties may produce such substitutes, reducing [...] Read more.

New technologies for the production of peat-substitutes are required to meet the rising demand for growing media in horticulture and the need to preserve natural peatlands. Hydrothermal conversion of organic residues into char materials, hydrochars, with peat-like properties may produce such substitutes, reducing environmental impacts and CO₂ emissions from improper management. To assess their potential as a component in growing media, cress seed germination tests are used to assess hydrochars from digestate (D), spent coffee grounds (SCG), and grape marc (GM). Pre- and post-treatments (extraction, washing, and drying) are applied to remove phytotoxic compounds associated with process waters retained on the hydrochars, and a nitrification bioassay with process water is used to predict their toxicity. All hydrochars achieve similar or better germination results compared to their feedstock, showing a potential to replace at least 5% of peat in growing media. SCG and GM hydrochars show inhibition above 5%, while all post-treated D-hydrochar mixtures produce >3 times longer roots than the control. The nitrification test shows a high sensitivity and good agreement with the high inhibition trends found in the germination tests with process water. Such tests can be a good way to optimize process combinations for the hydrothermal production of peat replacements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Chars in Growing Media)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 2714 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Root-Zone Amendments of Biochar-Based Fertilizers: Yield Increases of White Cabbage in Temperate Climate

by Jannis Grafmüller, Hans-Peter Schmidt, Daniel Kray and Nikolas Hagemann

Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040307 - 5 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5244

Abstract

The use of biochar is an important tool to improve soil fertility, reduce the negative environmental impacts of agriculture, and build up terrestrial carbon sinks. However, crop yield increases by biochar amendment were not shown consistently for fertile soils under temperate climate. Recent [...] Read more.

The use of biochar is an important tool to improve soil fertility, reduce the negative environmental impacts of agriculture, and build up terrestrial carbon sinks. However, crop yield increases by biochar amendment were not shown consistently for fertile soils under temperate climate. Recent studies show that biochar is more likely to increase crop yields when applied in combination with nutrients to prepare biochar-based fertilizers. Here, we focused on the root-zone amendment of biochar combined with mineral fertilizers in a greenhouse trial with white cabbage (Brassica oleracea convar. Capitata var. Alba) cultivated in a nutrient-rich silt loam soil originating from the temperate climate zone (Bavaria, Germany). Biochar was applied at a low dosage (1.3 t ha⁻¹). The biochar was placed either as a concentrated hotspot below the seedling or it was mixed into the soil in the root zone representing a mixture of biochar and soil in the planting basin. The nitrogen fertilizer (ammonium nitrate or urea) was either applied on the soil surface or loaded onto the biochar representing a nitrogen-enhanced biochar. On average, a 12% yield increase in dry cabbage heads was achieved with biochar plus fertilizer compared to the fertilized control without biochar. Most consistent positive yield responses were observed with a hotspot root-zone application of nitrogen-enhanced biochar, showing a maximum 21% dry cabbage-head yield increase. Belowground biomass and root-architecture suggested a decrease in the fine root content in these treatments compared to treatments without biochar and with soil-mixed biochar. We conclude that the hotspot amendment of a nitrogen-enhanced biochar in the root zone can optimize the growth of white cabbage by providing a nutrient depot in close proximity to the plant, enabling efficient nutrient supply. The amendment of low doses in the root zone of annual crops could become an economically interesting application option for biochar in the temperate climate zone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Chars in Growing Media)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Application of Chars in Growing Media

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI