A new study published in the Science & Technology Journal investigates the potential of using biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More derived from the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa as a soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More. This particular cyanobacteria species is known for forming harmful algal blooms, which are a major environmental problem. The research aimed to turn this environmental liability into a beneficial agricultural product. The study used a semi-continuous culture system to cultivate the algae, followed by pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More to convert its biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More into biochar. This biochar was then applied to soil where tomato seedlings were planted, and its effects on both the plants and the soil were observed over 30 days.

The results showed that biochar application significantly improved several aspects of tomato plant growth. Plants treated with a 2% biochar concentration (T2) reached a height of 13.60 cm, which is a 30.7% increase compared to the control group (T0) at 10.40 cm. Even more impressive was the impact on root development. The average root length in the T2 treatment was 23.53 cm, more than double the 11.03 cm observed in the control group, representing a 113% increase. Biochar also boosted the plants’ water use efficiency, with the T2 group showing the highest efficiency at 0.43 g/L, a remarkable 186% increase over the control group’s 0.15 g/L. Additionally, the treatment led to a higher number of leaves, which can enhance photosynthesis and crop yield. The 2% biochar treatment resulted in an average of 18.66 leaves per plant, a 60% increase from the control group’s 11.66 leaves. The germination rate also saw a significant improvement, jumping from 60% in the control soil to 93.33% with the 2% biochar treatment.

The study also found that the biochar had positive effects on the soil itself. It improved soil pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More, shifting it from acidic to a more neutral state. The 5% biochar treatment (T3) resulted in the highest increase in soil pH, with a 9.78% increase. Biochar achieves this by containing alkaline substances from its ashAsh is the non-combustible inorganic residue that remains after organic matter, like wood or biomass, is completely burned. It consists mainly of minerals and is different from biochar, which is produced through incomplete combustion.   Ash Ash is the residue that remains after the complete More, like calcium and potassium carbonates, that neutralize soil acidity. The biochar also significantly increased soil moisture content. The T3 treatment led to a 54.43% increase in soil moisture content compared to the control’s 25.94%. Beyond physical properties, biochar enhanced soil biological activity. It led to a notable increase in soil microbial populations, including fungi, and boosted the activity of soil enzymes like acid phosphatase. The 2% biochar treatment increased soil acid phosphatase activity by 33.29% compared to the farm yard manure treatment. This suggests that biochar provides a conducive environment and carbon source that stimulates microbial growth and enzyme production. The application of biochar also increased the soil content of essential plant nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The T2 treatment saw a 32.30% increase in available phosphorus and a 1.64% increase in available nitrogen.

In conclusion, the findings of this research suggest that biochar derived from Microcystis aeruginosa is a promising and sustainable soil amendment. It offers a dual benefit by providing a way to manage harmful algal blooms while simultaneously enhancing plant growth and improving soil health. This could provide a valuable solution for sustainable agricultural practices, especially in regions with limited water resources or nutrient-poor soil.

Source: Lalremdika, R., Lalmuanzeli, R., Chawngthantluangi, C., & Mehta, S. K. (2025). Enhancing tomato plant growth and soil health through application of biochar derived from Microcystis aeruginosa (Cyanobacteria). Science & Technology Journal, XX, DOI: 10.22232/stj.2025.5.