Nutrient Release Pattern and Greenhouse-Grown Swiss Chard Response to Biochar Inoculated with Vermicast

Abstract

A study was performed to assess nutrient release from biochar inoculated with solid vermicast (SVB), vermicast tea (VTB), deionized water (DWB), uninoculated biochar (Bioc), and Promix-BX (Pro-BX). The growth response of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) cv. Rhubarb chard was also assessed. Comparatively, nutrients were released slowly from treatments SVB and VTB compared to the other treatments. The rate of nutrient release determined by total dissolved solids and electric conductivity from the Pro-BX was the highest. The trend for the plant growth components, total leaf surface area and leaf fresh weight at first harvest, was Pro-BX > Bioc > DWB = SVB > VTB. The only treatment that increased total leaf area and leaf fresh weight at the second harvest by approximately 1.02- and 1.88-fold was VTB. Leaf fresh weight was significantly reduced by approximately 0.33-fold for DWB, 0.28-fold for Bioc, and 0.70-fold for Pro-BX but was not altered by SVB at the second harvest as compared to the first harvest. A 2-dimensional principal component analysis (PCA) biplot confirmed that treatment Pro-BX increased plant growth components at the first harvest only. The locations of SVB and VTB on the PCA biplot confirmed their efficacies, which led to increases in the plant growth components at the second harvest. Overall, the VTB adsorbed more nutrients onto its surface that were slowly released to enhance the Swiss chard cv. Rhubarb chard plant growth at the second harvest. Further studies should consider microbial activities.

Effects of Biochar and Nps Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla L.) in North Ari, South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

“…As such, most farmers adopt intensive use of synthetic chemical fertilizers, which can be detrimental to the environment, ecological system, and the health of life forms. The use of organic amendments such as biochar for both eld and controlledenvironment production is acknowledged as sustainable clean technology (Abbey et al, 2020).…”

Biofertilization with Liquid Vermicompost-Activated Biochar Enhances Microbial Activity and Soil Properties

“…The co-application of LVEs and biochar has usually involved a prior soil amendment with biochar followed by the application of LVEs by fertigation [18,19]. While this strategy has been shown to provide benefits in terms of both plant growth and protection [20][21][22][23], recent studies have investigated the formulation of "pre-conditioned" or "activated" biochars [24]. The process of biochar activation offers a more targeted approach, allowing more controlled integration of both organic amendments and facilitating the contact of LVE-associated microorganisms and biochar particles without the interference of the soil matrix [25].…”