Effect of Biochar and Wood Distillate Application on Vegeto‐Productive Performances of Strawberry Plants (cv. Charlotte) Under Controlled Conditions

Summary

ABSTRACT Strawberry [Fragaria × ananassa (Weston) Rozier] cultivation is increasingly shifting toward soilless systems due to soilborne disease pressures and sustainability concerns. Peat, the traditional substrate of choice, faces ecological and economic challenges, driving the search for alternative materials. Biochar, a carbon‐rich byproduct of biomass pyrolysis, offers benefits such as enhanced water retention and nutrient dynamics, while wood distillate (WD), a secondary pyrolysis product, functions as a biostimulant promoting plant growth and stress resilience. This study evaluated the effects of biochar (0, 2% and 4% wt/wt) and WD (0, 2.5 mL/L, 5 mL/L and 10 mL/L on the substrate and 3 mL on the leaves) on soilless strawberry cultivation. Biochar had minimal impact during early grow