Assessing Seed Germination and Plant Growth of <i>Eruca vesicaria</i> (L.) Cav. Cultivated in Biochar-Enriched Substrates
2025
Lorenzo Bini | Stefano Biricolti | Anna Lenzi | Massimo Del Bubba | William Antonio Petrucci | Edgardo Giordani
This study evaluates the use of biochar as a sustainable substitute to peat in the soilless cultivation of rocket salad (<i>Eruca vesicaria</i> (L.) Cav.). Biochar was added to a peat-based substrate at concentrations of 0% (control), 5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 70% <i>v</i>/<i>v</i> to assess its effects on seed germination, plant growth, mineral content, and nitrate accumulation. The results show that biochar concentrations up to 40% <i>v</i>/<i>v</i> maintained germination rates above 80%, similar to the control, while higher concentrations (70% <i>v</i>/<i>v</i>) drastically reduced germination to 29% and entirely compromised plant development and growth. A moderate biochar concentration (20%) had a positive effect on fresh weight and leaf area, while maintaining comparable levels of nutrient uptake, chlorophyll, and flavonols. In addition, biochar-enriched substrates (≥20% <i>v</i>/<i>v</i>) reduced nitrate accumulation in leaves by 26–30%, addressing a critical quality and safety concern. A high biochar content (≥40% <i>v</i>/<i>v</i>) altered the substrate’s physicochemical properties, including pH, porosity, and electrical conductivity, negatively affecting plant growth (a 38% reduction in plant growth and 42% in leaf area) and increasing heavy metal concentrations, such as that of zinc (~30%). These findings suggest that incorporating up to 20% <i>v</i>/<i>v</i> biochar in soilless substrates offers a sustainable alternative to peat, supporting rocket salad performance and improving leaf nitrate quality, without compromising yield or safety.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Directory of Open Access Journals