Summary
This field trial evaluated the combined application of biochar (from vineyard prunings or wood chips at 2% w/w) with either inorganic (ammonium nitrate) or organic (vermicompost) fertiliser on Swiss chard production and soil quality. Vermicompost substantially outperformed inorganic fertiliser, increasing plant growth by 22% and yield by 116% whilst reducing leaf nitrate accumulation by approximately 81% compared to ammonium nitrate. The findings suggest that biochar combined with vermicompost offers a sustainable approach to enhance vegetable yield and nutritional quality.
UK applicability
The horticultural techniques and biochar materials examined are broadly applicable to UK vegetable production systems, though soil type, climate conditions and local biochar feedstock availability may influence effectiveness. UK growers could adapt the vermicompost co-application approach for nitrate-sensitive crops, relevant to water quality and food safety regulations.
Key measures
Soil pH, electrical conductivity, extractable anions and cations, total nitrogen, organic carbon, C/N ratio; leaf number, length and fresh weight per cut; total leaf count and yield per plant; leaf NO₃⁻, P₂O₄³⁻, SO₄²⁻, NH₄⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and total N content
Outcomes reported
The study measured soil properties (pH, EC, extractable ions, total nitrogen, organic carbon, C/N ratio), plant growth parameters (leaf number, length, fresh weight), yield per plant, and leaf nutrient content (anions and cations including nitrate accumulation) across different biochar and fertiliser treatments.
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