Abstract
Biochar, pyrolyzed organic waste for agronomic and environmental purposes, is a viable alternative to improve soil quality in small farm areas in the state of Sergipe, where there is a shortage of water and chemical inputs. This study evaluated the effect of single and simultaneous application of doses (t ha-1) of sewage sludge (SS) and dry coconut shell (CS) on some soil properties and sunflower growth and nutrition (Helianthus annuus L.), in São Cristóvão-SE. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized scheme, with 6 treatments (1. SE60CS0; 2. SE30CS0; 3. SE20CS10; 4. SE10CS20; 5. SE0CS30; 6. Control (without biochar) and 5 repetitions. In the soil, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, and P, K, and Na concentrations were determined. In the plant, biomass, height, chlorophyll content, and N, P, and K were evaluated. Alone, coconut biochar increased the soil pH but reduced plant N. The sludge biochar did not increase soil pH but improved the soil N and P levels, plant growth (25%), and inflorescence (33%), indicating greater benefits of joint application. In addition to improving productivity, biochar, both from sewage sludge and dry coconut shell, can improve the destination and management of these residues and, at the same time, promote the recycling of nutrients in soil.
Highlights
Small farms in Sergipe represent a significant branch of the agricultural sector and are responsible for a large part of its food supply
3.1 Biochar characteristics The feedstock used in this study resulted in biochars with different chemical characteristics (Table 1)
The combined application of coconut shell and sewage sludge biochar did not affect soil Electric conductivity (EC) and oxidizable carbon; it significantly increased soil pH and the extractable concentration of P and K in the soil, which might have contributed to the increase in plant shoot and inflorescence biomass
Summary
Small farms in Sergipe represent a significant branch of the agricultural sector and are responsible for a large part of its food supply In these areas, soil management still follows traditional and, in most cases, non-conservationist techniques. The use of innovative technologies such as biochar has the potential to improve the quality of agro-ecosystems and contribute to environmental sustainability (Das, et al, 2020). This is because biochar is a charcoal-like material produced to be used as a soil amendment and conditioner. The conversion of organic wastes of any kind into biochar offers a viable alternative to waste disposal with additional economic and environmental benefits (Ding, et al, 2017; Gonzaga, et al, 2017)
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