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Bamboo Biochar Pyrolyzed at Low Temperature Improves Tomato Plant Growth and Fruit Quality

Author

Listed:
  • Ratna G. Suthar

    (Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA)

  • Cun Wang

    (Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, 571737 Haikou, Hainan, China)

  • M. Cecilia N. Nunes

    (Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA)

  • Jianjun Chen

    (Department of Environmental Horticulture, Mid Florida Research and Education Center, Apopka, FL 32703, USA)

  • Steven A. Sargent

    (Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA)

  • Ray A. Bucklin

    (Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA)

  • Bin Gao

    (Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA)

Abstract

As a soil amendment, biochar can significantly improve soil quality and crop growth. Few studies, however, have explored biochar effects on crop quality. This study investigated the amendment effects of bamboo biochar pyrolyzed at different temperatures on plant growth and fruit quality of tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.). Tomato ‘Micro-Tom’ plants were grown in a sand medium amended with 0, 1, and 3% of biochars produced at 300 °C, 450 °C, and 600 °C, respectively. Plant growth was monitored, and fruit harvested at the red stage was analyzed for color, texture, soluble solids content, sugars, ascorbic acid, and acidity. Results showed that biochars produced at 300 °C and amended at 3% or pyrolyzed at 450 °C and amended at 1% increased plant growth index. Contents of glucose, fructose, soluble solids, ascorbic acid, and sugar-to-acid ratios of fruits produced from the two treatments were significantly higher than the other treatments. The improved plant growth and fruit quality were related to the higher concentrations of NO 3 , P, Ca, and Mg in the growing media. Our results suggest that optimizing biochar use can be achieved by targeting biochar production conditions and application rate, which resulted in desirable amendment and fruit quality effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Ratna G. Suthar & Cun Wang & M. Cecilia N. Nunes & Jianjun Chen & Steven A. Sargent & Ray A. Bucklin & Bin Gao, 2018. "Bamboo Biochar Pyrolyzed at Low Temperature Improves Tomato Plant Growth and Fruit Quality," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 8(10), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:8:y:2018:i:10:p:153-:d:173470
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Sadaf Hashmi & Uzma Younis & Subhan Danish & Tariq Muhammad Munir, 2019. "Pongamia pinnata L. Leaves Biochar Increased Growth and Pigments Syntheses in Pisum sativum L. Exposed to Nutritional Stress," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-13, July.
    2. Agus Haryanto & Wahyu Hidayat & Udin Hasanudin & Dewi Agustina Iryani & Sangdo Kim & Sihyun Lee & Jiho Yoo, 2021. "Valorization of Indonesian Wood Wastes through Pyrolysis: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-25, March.
    3. Melissa Simiele & Oriana Argentino & Silvia Baronti & Gabriella Stefania Scippa & Donato Chiatante & Mattia Terzaghi & Antonio Montagnoli, 2022. "Biochar Enhances Plant Growth, Fruit Yield, and Antioxidant Content of Cherry Tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) in a Soilless Substrate," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-15, July.
    4. Saowanee Wijitkosum, 2023. "Repurposing Disposable Bamboo Chopsticks Waste as Biochar for Agronomical Application," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-16, January.

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