Study on the Responses of Seed Germination and Vegetation Growth in Degraded Lands by the Application of Biochar Composites

Approximately 25% of the Earth’s land is classified as degraded. Degraded lands are distinguished by their very low production attributable to the lack of major and micronutrients, as well as inadequate water retention capacity. The present work has successfully synthesized biochar, a porous carbon substance, by subjecting raw wood biomass to pyrolysis at three distinct temperatures (400, 500, and 600 °C). The biochar was combined with several binders, including lime, vermicompost, and clay, and then transformed into pellets by moulding it and subjecting it to compressive pressure ranging from 20 to 200 MPa using a universal testing machine. The physicochemical characteristics of the biochar pellets were analyzed and afterward evaluated for their suitability as a soil ameliorant using a laboratory-scale seed germination test. The findings revealed that the biochar pellets exhibit an alkaline pH range and include a high concentration of nutrients. The results of the seed germination test showed that the addition of biochar pellets to the soil significantly enhanced both the seed germination index and seed growth, in comparison to the raw soil. Hence, this initial laboratory experiment unequivocally shown that biochar pellets can be employed for the restoration of deteriorated soil due to their straightforward methodology and cost-efficiency.