Effect of acid modified tea-waste biochar on crop productivity of red onion (Allium cepa L.). (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peiris, Chathuri; Wathudura, Pathum D.; Gunatilake, Sameera R.; Gajanayake, Bandara; Wewalwela, Jayani J.; Abeysundara, Sachith; Vithanage, Meththika
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 288:Part 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Modified biochar -- Red onion -- Nutrient retention -- Microbial population -- Biochar amendment -- Soil amendment; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132551
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Biochar has widely been utilized as an agricultural soil amendment owing to its enhanced surface properties and cost-effectiveness. In the present work, the influence of tea waste biochar (TWBC) upon acid modification on Allium cepa L. (red onion) growth has been studied. Its effect as a soil amendment has also been studied by assessing the nutrient retention, microbial population growth and immobilization of potentially toxic metal ions. A greenhouse experiment was carried out by applying different biochar (BC) ratios (2% and 5% w/w) to soil as the growth media for onion plants. A 2.4 times (2.4 × ) reduction of phosphate from leaching was observed upon BC application at a ratio of 2% than that of 5%. Moreover, red onion plants that grew in the BC-fertilizer amended soil at a 2% ratio showed higher growth compared to that of 5%. A ∼1.3 × and ∼1.2 × increment of total dry weight was observed upon amendment of soil fertilizer system with nitric and sulfuric acid-modified TWBC, respectively. An analysis of the potentially toxic metal ion uptake by the respective plant parts showed that lead uptake by the roots of red onion was ∼8.3 × less in BC amended soil compared to that in contaminated soil. Thus, acid-modified TWBC can be considered a potential soil amendment for an enhanced red onion growth. Employing TWBC as a soil amendment in tropical countries, where tea-waste is in abundance, will boost sustainable agriculture. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Effect of acid modified tea waste biochar on Allium cepa L. growth was evaluated. Application ratio of 2% biochar exhibited the highest plant growth characteristics. Reduced nutrient leaching upon incorporation of modified biochar. Toxic metal ion uptake by plants was reduced upon biochar application.