Recycling Agricultural Waste to Enhance Sustainable Greenhouse Agriculture: Analyzing the Cost-Effectiveness and Agronomic Benefits of Bokashi and Biochar Byproducts as Soil Amendments in Citrus Nursery Production

Valeria Lavagi, Jonathan Kaplan (), Georgios Vidalakis (), Michelle Ortiz, Michael V. Rodriguez, Madison Amador, Francesca Hopkins, Samantha Ying and Deborah Pagliaccia
Additional contact information
Valeria Lavagi: Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
Jonathan Kaplan: Department of Economics, California State University, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA
Georgios Vidalakis: Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
Michelle Ortiz: Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
Michael V. Rodriguez: Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
Madison Amador: Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
Francesca Hopkins: Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
Samantha Ying: Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
Deborah Pagliaccia: Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 14, 1-16

Abstract: Applying bokashi (Bok) at 10% volume/volume ( v / v ), biochar (BC) at 10% v / v , and their combination (Bok_BC) as soil amendments significantly enhances citrus nursery production, improving plant growth and soil health, alongside offering notable economic benefits. Our greenhouse experiment evaluated these treatments across two fertilizer doses, at half (700 μS/cm) and full (1400 μS/cm) electrical conductivity (EC) levels, compared to a control mix, demonstrating improved nutrient availability, water retention, growth rates, and potential for carbon sequestration. Based on the results of this experiment, a cost–benefit analysis was performed; the BC treatment yielded substantial savings, particularly in large nurseries where BC at 700 μS/cm electrical conductivity (EC) saved USD 1356.38 per day and the same treatment at 1400 μS/cm EC saved USD 1857.53. These savings stem from increased nutrient contents (N, P, and K) and improved water retention, reducing irrigation; shortened growth cycles due to enhanced growth rates were observed, indirectly suggesting reduced electricity costs for greenhouse operations. Additionally, the increased carbon content within the soil points toward long-term benefits from carbon sequestration, further contributing to the sustainability and economic viability of these practices. These findings highlight the economic advantage of incorporating Bok and BC into soil mixes, providing a cost-effective strategy for enhancing greenhouse agriculture sustainability.

Keywords: soil amendments; resource use efficiency; economic sustainability; carbon sequestration; nutrient management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
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