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Effects of Biochar-Coated Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Yield and Quality of Bok Choy and on Soil Nutrients

Author

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  • Haiwen Bi

    (National Engineering Research Center for Wood-Based Resource Utilization, College of Optical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China)

  • Jiafeng Xu

    (School of Information Sciences and Technology, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 311300, China)

  • Kaixuan Li

    (National Engineering Research Center for Wood-Based Resource Utilization, College of Optical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China)

  • Kaiang Li

    (National Engineering Research Center for Wood-Based Resource Utilization, College of Optical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China)

  • Huanling Cao

    (National Engineering Research Center for Wood-Based Resource Utilization, College of Optical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China)

  • Chao Zhao

    (National Engineering Research Center for Wood-Based Resource Utilization, College of Optical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China)

Abstract

This study was aimed at problems associated with low fertilizer using efficiency, excessive nitrate content of vegetables, and soil degradation in greenhouse vegetable production. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the effects of applying biochar-coated nitrogen fertilizer (BCNF) on the yield, quality, and nitrate content of bok choy ( Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis) as well as on soil nutrients in greenhouses. Four treatments were set up as follows: no nitrogen fertilizer application (BA), chemical nitrogen fertilizer application (CK), biochar-coated nitrogen fertilizer application (BCNF, the amount of nitrogen was equal to that of chemical fertilizer), and reduced biochar-coated nitrogen fertilizer application (D-BCNF, the amount of fertilizer was 80% of BCNF). Compared with the other treatments, BCNF treatment increased chlorophyll content, plant height, maximum leaf length, maximum leaf width, and other biological characters of bok choy. Compared with CK treatment, BCNF treatment increased the fresh weight of bok choy by 14.02%, while reducing the root–shoot ratio and nitrate content by 19.1% and 46%, respectively. It was further found that the application of BCNF could effectively increase the content of soil organic matter; reduce the leaching loss of nitrate nitrogen, exchangeable calcium and magnesium; and effectively improve nitrogen use efficiency. Therefore, the application of BCNF can not only reduce the loss of fertilizer nutrients, promote plant growth, and improve fertilizer utilization, but it can also improve soil nutrients, fix carbon, and reduce emissions. It is a new type of environmental protection fertilizer with application prospects.

Suggested Citation

  • Haiwen Bi & Jiafeng Xu & Kaixuan Li & Kaiang Li & Huanling Cao & Chao Zhao, 2024. "Effects of Biochar-Coated Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Yield and Quality of Bok Choy and on Soil Nutrients," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:4:p:1659-:d:1340564
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Shihao Guan & Yuqian Shang & Chao Zhao, 2023. "Storage Time Detection of Torreya grandis Kernels Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-12, May.
    2. Zhou Yu & Jie Zhao & Yinfeng Hua & Xiaoying Li & Qincheng Chen & Guoqing Shen, 2021. "Optimization of Granulation Process for Binder-Free Biochar-Based Fertilizer from Digestate and Its Slow-Release Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-18, July.
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