Growth of Moringa oleifera Lam. as Affected by Biochar Treatment Modified via Inter-species Feedstock Selection

Abstract

To explore the impact of wood biochar on the early growth of tree seedlings, biochar was produced from the branches of tree species deemed as waste wood: tamarix, acacia, and eucalyptus. This biochar was mixed with agricultural soil at various concentrations. Subsequently, Moringa oleifera seedlings were planted in the biochar-soil mixture and monitored over an eight-week period. Then the data were collected and statistically analysed. All of the biochar treatments applied to Moringa oleifera seeds resulted in a notable reduction in germination rates. In particular, the control treatment—where no biochar was used—showed a significantly higher rate of seed germination compared to the various biochar treatments that were made from different feedstock species and processed at varying pyrolysis temperatures, highlighting the diverse impact of biochar characteristics on seed development. Nonetheless, the biochar-soil mixture retained higher levels of water and promoted greater biomass and relative plant growth. Thus, it is crucial to interpret these results within an environmental context to gain a comprehensive understanding. Selecting appropriate branch wood feedstocks may enhance the production of suitable biochar products for specific applications. Pretreatment techniques for feedstock before biochar processing might be necessary.