Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Two-season effects of grape pomace biochar on soil properties, nutrient availability, plant growth and soil microbial communities

Zdeňka Kwoczynski; Hana Burdová; Diana Polanská Nebeská; Karim Suhail Al Souki; Kateřina Klemencová; Barbora Grycová; Pavel Lestinsky

Biomass and Bioenergy · 2026

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Summary

This two-season field trial examined how biochar derived from grape pomace residue influences soil quality and biological activity. The work bridges agricultural waste valorisation and soil amendment, assessing both short-term and sustained effects on nutrient cycling, plant productivity, and microbial ecology. The multi-season design provides evidence on persistence of biochar benefits beyond initial application.

UK applicability

Findings may be relevant to UK viticulture regions (south and southeast England) and general arable horticulture, though UK soil types and climate conditions may differ from the study site. Application of biochar from wine-industry co-products aligns with UK circular economy and soil health policy priorities.

Key measures

Soil properties (pH, organic matter, physical structure); nutrient availability (N, P, K); plant growth metrics; soil microbial community composition and diversity

Outcomes reported

The study measured changes in soil properties, nutrient availability, plant growth responses, and soil microbial community composition across two growing seasons following grape pomace biochar application. Effects were evaluated on both soil chemical and biological parameters.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil health and biological amendments in horticulture
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Europe
System type
Horticulture
DOI
10.1016/j.biombioe.2026.109209
Catalogue ID
NRmo3d4gae-00t

Topic tags

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