In a recent study published in An-Najah University Journal for Research – A (Natural Sciences), Ahmed Y. M. Alnuimi and Ahmed F. Z. Al-Dulaimy investigated sustainable methods to enhance the chemical properties of ‘Aswad Diyala’ fig seedlings. Their research, conducted in a lath house at Anbar University, explored the individual and interactive effects of reed 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 the amino acid tryptophan on various chemical characteristics of the fig plants. This study addresses the critical need for eco-friendly agricultural practices, aiming to reduce reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers while improving crop quality and vigor.

The fig cultivar ‘Aswad Diyala’ is a prominent local variety in Iraq, known for its high productivity (20-30 kg per tree) and resilience to harsh environmental conditions, including drought and poor soils. The researchers aimed to further enhance its growth and nutrient use efficiencyNutrient use efficiency refers to how effectively plants can take up and utilize nutrients from the soil. Biochar can improve nutrient use efficiency by enhancing nutrient availability and retention in the soil.   More by leveraging plant waste—specifically reed biochar—and a natural biostimulant, tryptophan.

Biochar, produced from pyrolyzed plant waste, is known for its ability to improve soil fertility, structure, and microbial activity, as well as its capacity for pollutant adsorptionBiochar has a remarkable ability to attract and hold onto pollutants, like heavy metals and organic chemicals. This makes it a valuable tool for cleaning up contaminated soil and water.   More and nutrient uptake. In this study, reed biochar was applied at levels of 0%, 2%, and 4% (B0, B1, and B2, respectively). The results showed that the highest biochar concentration (B2: 4%) significantly improved most of the studied traits, including total chlorophyll (1.41 mg/g fresh weight), total carbohydrates (15.54%), nitrogen (1.86%), phosphorus (0.32%), potassium (0.64%), magnesium (0.47%), iron (169.37 mg/kg), zinc (44.94 mg/kg), and manganese (65.91 mg/kg). This aligns with previous research highlighting biochar’s role in enhancing soil properties and nutrient availability.

Tryptophan, an amino acid, serves as a precursor to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a vital plant hormone that promotes cell elongation, division, and overall plant development. It also boosts nutrient absorption, photosynthesis, and stress tolerance. Tryptophan was applied as a foliar spray at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 150 mg/L (T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively). The highest concentration (T3: 150 mg/L) consistently showed the best results across all chemical traits. For instance, it increased total chlorophyll by 17.5% (to 1.48 mg/g fresh weight) compared to the control (T0), and significantly elevated levels of total carbohydrates (15.32%), nitrogen (1.83%), phosphorus (0.34%), potassium (0.61%), magnesium (0.48%), calcium (1.30%), iron (171.01 mg/kg), zinc (43.37 mg/kg), and manganese (65.35 mg/kg).

The study’s most significant finding was the interactive effect between biochar and tryptophan. The combination of 4% biochar and 150 mg/L tryptophan (B2T3) yielded the most favorable results for most traits. For example, this interaction achieved the highest total carbohydrates (16.65%), nitrogen (1.94%), phosphorus (0.46%), potassium (0.74%), iron (178.21 mg/kg), zinc (58.28 mg/kg), and manganese (70.42 mg/kg). While the interaction did not significantly affect chlorophyll content, the individual effects of biochar and tryptophan still showed improvements.

This research highlights the potential of integrated approaches in sustainable agriculture. By utilizing reed biochar, a way to repurpose an invasive plant species from the Tigris and Euphrates riverbanks, and complementing it with tryptophan, farmers can enhance the chemical composition and overall vigor of fig seedlings. This not only supports robust seedling development but also reduces the environmental footprint associated with conventional farming methods, paving the way for healthier crops and a more sustainable agricultural future.

Source: Alnuimi, A. Y. M., & Al-Dulaimy, A. F. Z. (2025). Improving chemical properties of fig seedlings (cv. Aswad Diyala) using reed biochar and tryptophan. An-Najah University Journal for Research – A (Natural Sciences).