Influence on plant growth of carbon sources, pyrolysis- and HTC-biochar, as additives to carbon-poor soils

Einfluss auf das Pflanzenwachstum von Kohlenstoffquellen, Pyrolyse- und HTC-Biokohle, als Zusatz zu kohlenstoffarmen Böden

Worldwide, the low and decreasing carbon content of agricultural soils is an obstacle to sustainable plant production. Durable carbonisates can be produced by using side chain and waste products - e.g. digestates, sewage sludge, plant biomass, and biological waste among others - through the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process, and these products are reported to increase soil carbon and fertility.

The effect of adding HTC-biochar, pyrolyse-biochar and a mixture of both, to soil, on maize growth was tested in pot experiments. Treatments promoted shoot and root growth of maize seedlings, e.g. between 20 and 50% higher shoot dry matter of 40 days old plants. The results suggest that durable carbonisates from waste may increase the growth and resource efficiency of maize.Efficient carbon (C, CO2) utilization with durable carbonisates from waste products could be a key for a future sustainable bioeconomy.

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Last Modified: 04.11.2022