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, known for improving soil health, shows promise in enhancing crop production in Bangladesh. A recent study published in PLOS ONE by Md Rezaul Karim et al. investigates how biochar affects the germination and early growth of key crops in this region.

The research examined rice, wheat, chili, eggplant, and tomato, assessing the impact of biochar derived from Acacia auriculiformis wood waste. The experiment, conducted in a nursery, applied biochar at rates of 10 t/ha and 15 t/ha using a randomized complete block design.

The study revealed that biochar significantly increased germination in some crops. Chili seeds treated with 15 t/ha of biochar showed a 96% increase in germination compared to the control group (43.3% vs. 85.1%). Rice seeds also had higher germination rates with biochar treatments (59.3% in the control group, 84.5% with 10 t/ha biochar, and 91.8% with 15 t/ha). However, biochar did not significantly affect the germination of tomato, eggplant, and wheat seeds.  

Biochar also influenced early germination rates and growth parameters like shoot length, leaf count, and root-shoot ratio. The 15 t/ha biochar treatment notably improved these factors in chili and rice, but not in tomato. Specifically, chili seeds treated with 15 t/ha of biochar showed a substantial improvement in early germination rates (30% in the control group vs. 63.3% with 15 t/ha biochar).  

This research indicates that biochar can be a valuable tool for enhancing germination and early growth in key Bangladesh crops, potentially supporting more sustainable agricultural practices in the region.  

SOURCE: Karim, M. R., Biswas, S., Halim, M. A., & Ahmed, R. (2025). Biochar enhances seed germination and crop early growth for sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh. PLoS ONE, 20(3), e0320005.