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Recycling Agricultural Waste to Enhance Sustainable Greenhouse Agriculture: Analyzing the Cost-Effectiveness and Agronomic Benefits of Bokashi and Biochar Byproducts as Soil Amendments in Citrus Nursery Production

Author

Listed:
  • Valeria Lavagi

    (Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA)

  • Jonathan Kaplan

    (Department of Economics, California State University, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Georgios Vidalakis

    (Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA)

  • Michelle Ortiz

    (Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA)

  • Michael V. Rodriguez

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92507, USA)

  • Madison Amador

    (Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA)

  • Francesca Hopkins

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92507, USA)

  • Samantha Ying

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92507, USA)

  • Deborah Pagliaccia

    (Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

Applying bokashi (Bok) at 10% volume/volume ( v / v ), biochar (BC) at 10% v / v , and their combination (Bok_BC) as soil amendments significantly enhances citrus nursery production, improving plant growth and soil health, alongside offering notable economic benefits. Our greenhouse experiment evaluated these treatments across two fertilizer doses, at half (700 μS/cm) and full (1400 μS/cm) electrical conductivity (EC) levels, compared to a control mix, demonstrating improved nutrient availability, water retention, growth rates, and potential for carbon sequestration. Based on the results of this experiment, a cost–benefit analysis was performed; the BC treatment yielded substantial savings, particularly in large nurseries where BC at 700 μS/cm electrical conductivity (EC) saved USD 1356.38 per day and the same treatment at 1400 μS/cm EC saved USD 1857.53. These savings stem from increased nutrient contents (N, P, and K) and improved water retention, reducing irrigation; shortened growth cycles due to enhanced growth rates were observed, indirectly suggesting reduced electricity costs for greenhouse operations. Additionally, the increased carbon content within the soil points toward long-term benefits from carbon sequestration, further contributing to the sustainability and economic viability of these practices. These findings highlight the economic advantage of incorporating Bok and BC into soil mixes, providing a cost-effective strategy for enhancing greenhouse agriculture sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Valeria Lavagi & Jonathan Kaplan & Georgios Vidalakis & Michelle Ortiz & Michael V. Rodriguez & Madison Amador & Francesca Hopkins & Samantha Ying & Deborah Pagliaccia, 2024. "Recycling Agricultural Waste to Enhance Sustainable Greenhouse Agriculture: Analyzing the Cost-Effectiveness and Agronomic Benefits of Bokashi and Biochar Byproducts as Soil Amendments in Citrus Nurse," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:14:p:6070-:d:1436318
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shakeel Ahmad Bhat & Alban Kuriqi & Mehraj U. Din Dar & Owais Bhat & Saad Sh. Sammen & Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul Islam & Ahmed Elbeltagi & Owais Shah & Nadhir AI-Ansari & Rawshan Ali & Salim Heddam, 2022. "Application of Biochar for Improving Physical, Chemical, and Hydrological Soil Properties: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-16, September.
    2. Galinato, Suzette P. & Yoder, Jonathan K. & Granatstein, David, 2011. "The economic value of biochar in crop production and carbon sequestration," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(10), pages 6344-6350, October.
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