Assessing Seed Germination and Plant Growth of Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav. Cultivated in Biochar-Enriched Substrates

Lorenzo Bini, Stefano Biricolti (), Anna Lenzi, Massimo Del Bubba, William Antonio Petrucci and Edgardo Giordani
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Lorenzo Bini: Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Viale delle Idee 30, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Stefano Biricolti: Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Viale delle Idee 30, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Anna Lenzi: Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Viale delle Idee 30, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Massimo Del Bubba: Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
William Antonio Petrucci: Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Viale delle Idee 30, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Edgardo Giordani: Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Viale delle Idee 30, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-18

Abstract: This study evaluates the use of biochar as a sustainable substitute to peat in the soilless cultivation of rocket salad ( Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav.). Biochar was added to a peat-based substrate at concentrations of 0% (control), 5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 70% v / v to assess its effects on seed germination, plant growth, mineral content, and nitrate accumulation. The results show that biochar concentrations up to 40% v / v maintained germination rates above 80%, similar to the control, while higher concentrations (70% v / v ) 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% v / v ) reduced nitrate accumulation in leaves by 26–30%, addressing a critical quality and safety concern. A high biochar content (≥40% v / v ) 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% v / v biochar in soilless substrates offers a sustainable alternative to peat, supporting rocket salad performance and improving leaf nitrate quality, without compromising yield or safety.

Keywords: rocket salad; biochar; soilless cultivation; growing media; mineral content; heavy metals; nitrates (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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