Yield estimation based on agronomic traits in vegetables under different biochar levels

Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced through oxygen-limited pyrolysis of organic biomass, demonstrates exceptional potential as a soil amendment due to its porous structure and stability. This research investigated the impact of guinea pig manure biochar on three vegetable species cultivated in high Andean conditions: spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), cabbage (Brassica oleracea var.), and chard (Beta vulgaris var.). The study implemented four biochar application rates (0, 10, 20, and 30 t/ha) and measured comprehensive agronomic parameters including leaf count, leaf length, and fresh/dry biomass of both leaves and roots. Simultaneously, UAV-captured multispectral imagery provided spectral indices that were integrated with agronomic data into machine learning models: linear regression, support vector machines (SVM), and regression trees (CART). Results demonstrated significant vegetative growth enhancement and yield increases across all crops, with the 30 t ha-1 application rate producing optimal outcomes. Predictive modeling exhibited remarkable accuracy: spinach analysis via SVM achieved R² = 0.94 and RMSE = 0.32 g; chard analysis through CART delivered R² = 0.92 and RMSE = 0.35 g; and cabbage assessment using CART yielded R² = 0.91 and RMSE = 0.38 g. This research substantiates biochar’s effectiveness as an organic amendment while establishing a reliable framework for crop yield prediction using machine learning algorithms integrated with spectral data. These findings position biochar as a valuable component in sustainable agricultural systems, particularly for vegetable production in challenging high-altitude environments.

This research was funded by the INIA project “Mejoramiento de los servicios de investigación y transferencia tecnológica en el manejo y recuperación de suelos agrícolas degradados y aguas para riego en la pequeña y mediana agricultura en los departamentos de Lima, Áncash, San Martín, Cajamarca, Lambayeque, Junín, Ayacucho, Arequipa, Puno y Ucayali” CUI 2487112, of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) of the Peruvian Government.