de Souza, et al (2024) Effect of sugarcane bagasse biochar on soybean germination and initial growth. The Journal of Engineering and Exact Sciences. 10.18540/jcecvl10iss5pp19300


Biochar, derived from sugarcane bagasse, is increasingly recognized for its potential benefits in agriculture, particularly as a soil conditioner and carbon sequestration agent. A recent study explored the effects of biochar on soybean germination and early growth, focusing on its impact on soil properties and microbial activity.

The biochar used in the study was produced through pyrolysis, a process of thermal decomposition in the absence of oxygen. The resulting material, characterized by a low oxygen-to-carbon ratio and a porous structure, was tested at different application rates to assess its influence on soybean cultivation. The study found that biochar significantly improved several soil attributes, including moisture retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity, all of which are crucial for healthy plant growth.

In greenhouse experiments, soybeans treated with higher biochar concentrations (3% and 5% w/w) exhibited notable increases in both aerial and root biomass compared to untreated plants. Specifically, the fresh mass of aerial parts increased by 64% to 86%, while root mass saw a substantial boost of 23% to 423%. These results suggest that biochar not only supports early soybean development but also enhances soil fertility and microbial health, creating a more conducive environment for plant growth.

This research underscores the potential of biochar as a sustainable agricultural amendment, with promising implications for improving crop yields and contributing to environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration. Further studies are needed to explore the long-term effects and broader applications across different crop species and soil types.


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