Effects of Biochar-Based Mixed Substrates for Hydroponics on Growth and Yield of Cherry Tomato

This study evaluated the effects of biochar-based mixed substrates on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and evaluated their potential as an alternative to conventional coir substrates.Five treatments were established: coir dust (T1, control) and four biochar-based mixtures with varying ratios of biochar, peatmoss, and perlite (T2: 3:7:0, T3: 3:0:7, T4: 1:1:1, T5: 2:1:1).Plant growth parameters (plant height, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, leaf number, and inflorescence number), substrate physicochemical properties, drainage pH and EC, yield, and fruit quality were measured.Coir (T1) exhibited greater water retention, while the mixed substrates had higher porosity and lower bulk density, enhancing aeration.Heavy metal concentrations in all substrates were below fertilizer regulation thresholds, ensuring safety.Drainage EC gradually increased during the late growth stage across all treatments, likely due to salt accumulation, but remained within acceptable limits.All biochar-based substrates produced equal or higher total and marketable yields compared to coir dust, while fruit quality did not differ significantly among treatments.There result demonstrate that biochar, peatmoss, perlite mixtures are feasible substitute for replacing imported coir offering a sustainable cultivation model that promote resource recycling and low-carbon horticulture.