British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has secured £200,000 in funding through the ADOPT program to launch two applied research projects in the United Kingdom. These projects focus on improving soil management and nutrient efficiency within commercial apple orchards. A primary component of this research involves a collaboration with Skylark Carbon to evaluate the effectiveness of charged 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 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 during the orchard establishment phase. This initiative builds upon previous Innovate UK-funded research and aims to provide growers with data-driven strategies for enhancing long-term orchard productivity and sustainability.

The apple industry in the United Kingdom faces significant challenges during the establishment of new orchards, where early tree development and survival rates are critical to economic viability. Standard practices often struggle with high tree mortality and poor soil structure, which can delay the time to first harvest and reduce overall yield. Furthermore, the industry seeks to reduce its reliance on traditional chemical inputs while maintaining fruit quality. Developing a reliable method to stabilize soil health and promote rapid root establishment in young trees is a priority for commercial growers looking to improve resilience against environmental stressors.

To address these establishment issues, BAPL has partnered with A C Hulme & Sons, Ian Overy Farms, and Skylark Carbon to test a combination of soil amendments at a commercial scale. The technical solution involves the application of charged biochar produced from removed apple trees, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungiThese are friendly fungi that form a partnership with plant roots. They act like an extension of the root system, helping plants access water and nutrients more effectively. Biochar can create a cozy habitat for these helpful fungi, boosting their growth and improving plant health.   More, and Trichoderma. Skylark Carbon will supply the biochar, creating a circular model where orchard waste is repurposed into a soil enhancer. Scientific oversight from NIAB will ensure that the trials accurately measure tree nutrition, survival rates, and soil structure improvements, comparing the performance of biochar both individually and in combination with microbial biostimulants.

The anticipated outcomes of these trials include enhanced early growth and improved tree survival rates, which directly translate to better economic performance for UK apple growers. By utilizing biochar derived from orchard wood, the project demonstrates a viable path for carbon sequestration and resource efficiency within the agricultural sector. The data generated will provide a framework for evidence-based decision-making, allowing growers to optimize soil conditions and potentially reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Successful results would validate the use of charged biochar as a standard tool for modern orchard management and sustainable fruit production.