Biochar and Wood Vinegar Increase Tomato Yield and Quality
Experimental Design and Application
The study was conducted in two greenhouse locations and tested six different biochar types produced from plant- and animal-based feedstocks. The biochar was incorporated into the soil at a 1:2500 g/g ratio, while wood vinegar was diluted at 1:200 mL and fertigated weekly. Chemical fertilizers were also applied across all treatments. The study measured key plant parameters, including total biomass, fruit weight, and sugar content.
Key Findings
Biochar and Wood Vinegar Had Different Effects Based on Feedstock Type
- Chicken manure biochar (CMB) yielded the highest biomass and fruit weight, likely due to its high ammonium-nitrogen content.
- Wood vinegar application increased yields when paired with plant-based biochar, particularly bamboo biochar (BB).
- Animal-based biochar (CMB and animal litter biochar) resulted in higher sugar content but did not benefit from WV application.
- Regardless of treatment, plant and animal feedstocks produced similar biomass and yields overall.
Yield Effects of Biochar and Wood Vinegar
- Without WV, CMB-treated tomatoes had the highest yield (193.7 tons/ha), significantly outperforming other treatments.
- With WV, yields slightly decreased to 177.5 tons/ha for CMB, suggesting WV may not be beneficial when using animal-based biochar.
- WV application improved yield in plant-based biochar treatments, with bamboo biochar + WV producing up to 160 tons/ha, a 17% increase over BB alone.
pH, Nutrient Availability, and Sugar Content
- Animal-based biochar had better pH buffering capacity, maintaining a stable pH of 6.4, likely due to higher CaO and MgO levels.
- Higher pH conditions in animal-based biochar resulted in greater phosphorus availability, contributing to higher fruit sugar content.
- Plant-based biochar with WV had lower pH values, which may have reduced phosphorus availability and sugar content.
Implications for Tomato Production
When to Use Wood Vinegar?
- If using plant-based biochar, WV can enhance yield by improving nutrient uptake and soil conditioning.
- If using animal-based biochar, WV may not be beneficial and could reduce yield due to potential microbial suppression or nutrient interactions.
Choosing the Right Biochar
- CMB and ALB resulted in the highest fruit sugar content and may be better suited for applications where quality (taste) is prioritized over yield.
- Bamboo biochar + WV produced the best yield increase, making it an optimal choice for growers focusing on high fruit production.