Murtaza, G., Usman, M., Ahmed, Z., Zulfiqar, F., Moosa, A., Iqbal, R., … Deng, G. (2024). Synergistic impact of vermicompost and different woody-biochar boosts eggplant growth traits and physiological-related parameters under deficit irrigation. New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/01140671.2024.2426669

Water scarcity significantly impacts soil health, plant growth, and crop yields, making efficient water use crucial for sustainable agriculture. A recent study explored the effects of vermicompost and 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 oak and apple trees on the growth, water use efficiency (WUE), and yield of eggplants under limited irrigation conditions. Researchers tested three levels of water supply: 50%, 75%, and 100% of the plant water requirement (PWR), combined with vermicompost (0 or 2000 g/m²) and biochar (0 or 400 g/m²) applications.

The results showed that combining apple-tree biochar and vermicompost at full irrigation (100% PWR) produced the highest overall yield and nutrient uptake, with improved levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and magnesium in the leaves. Under 50% PWR, applying apple-tree biochar alone resulted in the highest early harvest yields, while combining apple-tree biochar and vermicompost achieved the best WUE.

By contrast, treatments without amendments or with only vermicompost at 50% PWR exhibited increased levels of stress metabolites, indicating heightened physiological stress. These findings highlight that integrating biochar, especially from apple trees, with vermicompost can enhance plant growth and resource efficiency, even under reduced water availability.

This research underscores the potential of biochar and vermicompost to mitigate the effects of water scarcity, offering practical strategies for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability in water-limited environments.