Assessment of pistachio shell-based biochar application on the sustainable amendment of soil and its performance in enhancing bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) growth

ELIANA SÁNCHEZ; ROMINA ZABALETA; ANA LAURA NAVAS; RODRIGO TORRES SCIANCALEPORE; GASTÓN FOUGA; MARÍA PAULA FABANI; ROSA RODRÍGUEZ; GERMÁN MAZZA

SUSTAINABILITY

Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute - MDPI

Lugar: Basel; Año: 2024 vol. 16

Abstract: This study aimed to: a) analyze the influence of pyrolysis temperature onpistachio shell-based biochar (PSB) properties and b) assess the PSB effect ongreen bell pepper (Capsicum annuum,L.) growth. Pyrolysis experiments were conducted at different temperatures,determining 450°C as optimal for soil amendment. The effect of PSB addition atdifferent mass ratios was analyzed considering the physicochemical propertiesof the mixtures and the agronomic parameters of green bell pepper plants andfruits, under greenhouse conditions. Results demonstrated enhancements in soilproperties upon biochar incorporation, including a decrease in pH by 1%, adecrease in electrical conductivity (EC) by 4-14%, and increases in cationexchange capacity (CEC) by 4-8%, organic matter (OM) and organic carbon (OC) by100-200%, and total nitrogen (TN) by 35%, relative to unamended soil. Agronomicvariables revealed improvements, particularly during the reproductive andmaturity stages, with plants treated with 1% biochar (SB1) exhibiting enhancedgrowth and chlorophyll content, alongside increased flower and fruit yields.Notably, the 2% biochar treatment (SB2) yielded superior fruit weight andlength results, suggesting the potential for biochar to enhance both thequality and quantity of green bell pepper fruits, thereby contributing tosustainable agricultural practices.