In a significant step towards more sustainable agriculture, a recent study published in Soil Use and Management by S. Graziano, M. Caldara, and their colleagues reveals how the strategic application of 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 and biofertilizers can revolutionize industrial tomato production. Their multi-year field trials in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, demonstrate a promising path to reducing reliance on chemical inputs while simultaneously enhancing crop yield and profitability.

Conventional agriculture often depends heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to ensure robust growth and protect crops. However, this intensive approach can lead to negative environmental impacts, including reduced soil fertility and contamination of water sources. The research team investigated biochar and plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPM) as sustainable alternatives, aiming to diminish the excessive use of chemicals in tomato cultivation.

The study involved field trials over three consecutive years (2020-2022) across two locations in Emilia-Romagna: Parma (conventional farming) and Ferrara (organic farming). They applied biochar, PGPM, and 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 (AMF) both individually and in various combinations. The biochar, produced from 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 gasificationGasification is a high-temperature, thermochemical process that converts carbon-based materials into a gaseous fuel called syngas and solid by-products. It takes place in an oxygen-deficient environment at temperatures typically above 750°C. Unlike combustion, which fully burns material to produce heat and carbon dioxide (CO2​), gasification More at temperatures between 500∘C and 700∘C, was applied at 200 g m−2 before planting. Different microbial consortia were used, including Micosat F1 (a commercial blend of mycorrhizae, beneficial bacteria, and saprophytic fungi) and a newly developed consortium called MC_B.

Remarkably, the most impactful results were observed in the Parma field, where the combined treatment of biochar and PGPM led to an average 65% reduction in the number of unripened fruits. This combined approach also increased the commercial production value and the Brix index (a measure of soluble solids, indicating sweetness) of the harvested tomatoes in conventional fields. Furthermore, combining biofertilizers with biochar allowed for a significant 20% reduction in chemical fertilizers, directly translating to savings in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

From an economic standpoint, the study revealed that the use of PGPM and biochar substantially increased gross margins for farmers. Specifically, in the biochar_MC_B_AMF_MA scenario, organic tomato yield increased by 12% (from 49.65 Mg ha−1 to 55 Mg ha−1), and conventional production saw a 23% increase (from 99.70 Mg ha−1 to 122.26 Mg ha−1). This yield increase, coupled with reduced fertilizer costs, led to a 16% to 31% increase in gross margins compared to baseline practices. The researchers also noted that carbon credits from biochar application could provide an additional economic benefit, contributing up to 16% more to gross margins for organic farms.

This research underscores the tangible benefits of integrating biochar and microbial consortia into agricultural practices. Beyond the impressive yield improvements and cost savings, the environmental advantages are clear: reduced chemical reliance, lower carbon footprints, and a move towards healthier ecosystems. While the study focused on short-term impacts, the long-term benefits of biochar for soil health and carbon sequestration could be even more profound. These findings pave the way for a more sustainable and economically viable future for tomato cultivation.

Source: Graziano, S., Caldara, M., Gulli, M., Cornali, S., Vassura, I., Coralli, I., Pagano, L., Marmiroli, M., Donati, M., Bevivino, A., Maestri, E., Keller, A. A., & Marmiroli, N. (2025). Improving the sustainability of tomato production with biochar and biofertilizers in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Soil Use and Management, 41(1), e70091.