Characterization of biochar from orange tree residues and its effect on the growth of Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos seedlings

Authors: BARBOSA, BEATRIZ SOUSA - Federal Rural University Of Amazonia; SHIBATA, MARÍLIA - Federal University Of Pelotas; DOS SANTOS, CASSIO RAFAEL C - Federal Rural University Of Amazonia; LOPES, BETEL CAVALCANT - Santa Catarina State University; CAMPOS, MARI LUCIA - Santa Catarina State University; MARTINS, WALMER BRUNO R - Federal Rural University Of Amazonia; Wood, Delilah; CASTRO, JONNYS PAZ - Federal Rural University Of Amazonia

Submitted to: Journal of Plant Nutrition
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/29/2024
Publication Date: 1/13/2025
Citation: Barbosa, B., Shibata, M., Dos Santos, C., Lopes, B., Campos, M., Martins, W., Wood, D.F., Castro, J. 2025. Characterization of biochar from orange tree residues and its effect on the growth of Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos seedlings. Journal of Plant Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2025.2451923.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2025.2451923

Interpretive Summary: Large scale waste generation is an inevitable result of plant and food production. The waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions; value-added products may be derived from the waste products. Biochar was produced from orange harvest residues (stem and peel) and used as a soil amendment for growth of Handroanthus impetiginosus (pink trumpet tree). The pink trumpet tree is widely used for reforestation, wood production, and urban plantings in South America. The best results occurred with the application of 9.4 to 11.63% biochar resulting in optimal growth of pink trumpet seedlings, accompanied by good nutrient concentration and physical-chemical properties of the soil. Adding biochar from orange residues reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers, increased carbon concentration in the soil thereby sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The application of biochar improved soil fertility and productivity of forest species with reduced environmental impact and is a sustainable waste management system of citrus.

Technical Abstract: Biochar has traditionally been used as a soil amendment to improve plant growth by adding and increasing nutrient availability, becoming a promising alternative or complementation to mineral fertilization. In this study, the role of biochar in soil modification and its relevant effects on the production of Handroanthus impetiginosus seedlings were evaluated. To produce biochar, orange tree waste was used, and its chemical and physical characteristics were assessed. For the effect of biochar on seedling production, five doses of biochar were used (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40%), in the presence [presence of Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (P/NPK)] and absence of mineral fertilizer (A/NPK). The addition of biochar as a substrate component significantly influenced the physical and chemical properties of the soil, increasing the carbon level, pH, and porosity. Biochar from orange tree residues showed suitable properties for use as a conditioner for substrates in the production of Handroanthus impetiginosus seedlings. Positive effects were observed for the treatment with 5% biochar without mineral fertilizer, which promoted increases in morphophysiological parameters, while higher concentrations (20 and 40%) provided lower values for the evaluated parameters. Like this, the application of biochar can be used to accelerate the production of Handroanthus impetiginosus seedlings, with better management of nutrients and soil properties, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.