Transforming a Valuable Bioresource to Biochar, Its Environmental Importance, and Potential Applications in Boosting Circular Bioeconomy While Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Biochar produced from transforming bioresource waste can benefit sustainable agriculture and support circular bioeconomy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of biochar, produced from wheat straws, and a nitrification inhibitor, sourced from neem (Azadirachta indica), in combinition with the recommended synthetic fertilizer on soil properties, maize (Zea mays L.) plant growth characteristics, and maize grain yield and quality paramters. The nitrification inhibitor was used with the concentrations of 5 and 10 mL pot−1 (N1 and N2, respectively) with four levels of biochar (B0 = 0 g, B1 = 35 g, B2 = 70 g, B3 = 105 g, B4 = 140 g pot−1), one recommended nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium syntactic fertilizer (250, 125, and 100 kg ha−1, respectively) treatment, and one control treatment. The results showed that the nitrification inhibitor enhanced crop growth while the application of biochar significantly improved soil fertility. The application of biochar significantly enhanced soil organic matter and soil nitrogen as compared with nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium treatment. The highest root length (65.43 cm) and root weight (50.25 g) were observed in the maize plants treated with B4 and N2 combinedly. The grain yield, total biomass production, protein content from biochar’s B4, and nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium treatments were not significantly different from each other. The application of 140 g biochar pot−1 (B4) with nitrification inhibitor (10 mL pot−1) resulted in higher crop yield and the highest protein contents in maize grains as compared to the control treatments. Therefore, the potential of biochar application in combination with nitrification inhibitor may be used as the best nutrient management practice after verifying these findings at a large-scale field study. Based on the experimental findings, the applied potential of the study treatments, and results of economic analysis, it can be said that biochar has an important role to play in the circular bioeconomy.

A benchmark study on economic impact of Neem Coated Urea on Indian agriculture

“…This increase in yield is found to be statistically significant. These findings also stand indicated by the study findings of 17 , 18 , 28 , 31 , who found that application of NCU following the site-specific nutrient management principles had led to crop production of higher or similar levels as observed with untreated urea, but with lower fertilizer application rates.…”

Application of biological systems and processes employing microbes and algae to Reduce, Recycle, Reuse (3Rs) for the sustainability of circular bioeconomy

“…Instead, biochar produced from wheat-straw along with specific nitrification-inhibitor sourced from neem plants with the recommended dose of synthetic fertilizer could significantly improve soil nutrition for good maize crops. This highlights the vital importance of agriculture waste as a valuable resource in the circular bioeconomy [22] .…”

Mengubah Sampah Menjadi Harta Karun: Inovasi Daur Ulang yang Menguntungkan Lingkungan dan Ekonomi (Studi Literature)

“…Pengelolaan sampah yang tepat dapat membantu mencapai manfaat ekonomi yang lebih besar sekaligus melindungi lingkungan dan kesehatan manusia1. Manfaat lingkungan: Mengubah sampah dapat memberikan manfaat bagi lingkungan, seperti mengurangi polusi dan emisi gas rumah kaca (Abbas et al, 2021). Sebagai contoh, biochar yang dihasilkan dari mengubah limbah bioresources dapat bermanfaat bagi pertanian berkelanjutan dan mendukung bioekonomi sirkular (Abbas et al, 2021).…”

“…Manfaat lingkungan: Mengubah sampah dapat memberikan manfaat bagi lingkungan, seperti mengurangi polusi dan emisi gas rumah kaca (Abbas et al, 2021). Sebagai contoh, biochar yang dihasilkan dari mengubah limbah bioresources dapat bermanfaat bagi pertanian berkelanjutan dan mendukung bioekonomi sirkular (Abbas et al, 2021). Pembangunan berkelanjutan: Pengelolaan sampah yang tepat sangat penting bagi gagasan pembangunan berkelanjutan dan dapat membantu melindungi lingkungan dan kesehatan manusia (Szyba & Muweis, 2022).…”