Assessment of Pistachio Shell-Based Biochar Application in the Sustainable Amendment of Soil and Its Performance in Enhancing Bell Pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.) Growth

Eliana Sanchez, Romina Zabaleta, Ana Laura Navas, Rodrigo Torres-Sciancalepore, Gastón Fouga, Maria Paula Fabani, Rosa Rodriguez and Germán Mazza ()
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Eliana Sanchez: Instituto de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Grupo Vinculado al PROBIEN (CONICET-UNCo), Av. Libertador San Martín (Oeste) 1109, San Juan J5400ARL, Argentina
Romina Zabaleta: Instituto de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Grupo Vinculado al PROBIEN (CONICET-UNCo), Av. Libertador San Martín (Oeste) 1109, San Juan J5400ARL, Argentina
Ana Laura Navas: Instituto de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Grupo Vinculado al PROBIEN (CONICET-UNCo), Av. Libertador San Martín (Oeste) 1109, San Juan J5400ARL, Argentina
Rodrigo Torres-Sciancalepore: Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ingeniería de Procesos, Biotecnología y Energías Alternativas, PROBIEN (CONICET-UNCo), Neuquén Q8300IBX, Argentina
Gastón Fouga: Departamento de Fisicoquímica y Control de Calidad, Complejo Tecnológico Pilcaniyeu, Centro Atómico Bariloche, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. Bustillo 9500, San Carlos de Bariloche R8402AGP, Argentina
Maria Paula Fabani: Instituto de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Grupo Vinculado al PROBIEN (CONICET-UNCo), Av. Libertador San Martín (Oeste) 1109, San Juan J5400ARL, Argentina
Rosa Rodriguez: Instituto de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Grupo Vinculado al PROBIEN (CONICET-UNCo), Av. Libertador San Martín (Oeste) 1109, San Juan J5400ARL, Argentina
Germán Mazza: Instituto de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, San Juan J5400ARL, Argentina

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 11, 1-22

Abstract: This study aimed to (a) analyze the influence of pyrolysis temperature on pistachio shell-based biochar (PSB) properties and (b) assess the PSB effect on green bell pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.) growth. Pyrolysis experiments were conducted at different temperatures, determining 450 °C as optimal for soil amendment. The effect of PSB addition at different mass ratios was analyzed considering the physicochemical properties of the mixtures and the agronomic parameters of green bell pepper plants and fruits under greenhouse conditions. Results demonstrated enhancements in soil properties upon biochar incorporation, including a decrease in pH by 1%, a decrease in electrical conductivity (EC) by 4–14%, and increases in cation exchange capacity (CEC) by 4–8%, organic matter (OM) and organic carbon (OC) by 100–200%, and total nitrogen (TN) by 35%, relative to unamended soil. Agronomic variables revealed improvements, particularly during the reproductive and maturity stages, with plants treated with 1% biochar (SB1) exhibiting enhanced growth and chlorophyll content, alongside increased flower and fruit yields. Notably, the 2% biochar treatment (SB2) yielded superior fruit weight and length results, suggesting the potential for biochar to enhance both the quality and quantity of green bell pepper fruits, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Keywords: bio-waste; soil amendment; pyrolysis temperature; biochar; development of crops (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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