Pilot 2 Biochar: Characterisation and Ongoing Agronomic Validation

Physicochemical characterisation combines CHN and proximate analysis, ICP elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, zeta-potential measurement and SEM with elemental analysis. These methods examine composition, mineral phases, surface behaviour and microstructure. Soil incubation follows carbon dioxide evolution over time. The greenhouse experiment compares six lettuce treatments: control, full mineral fertilisation, the material alone, and the material with 100%, 75% or 50% mineral fertilisation. Growth observations, SPAD readings, biomass, plant nutrient content and soil properties support the investigation of agronomic effects. Subsequent cultivation is intended to examine residual responses in the conditioned soil.

Reported treatment design includes untreated control, mineral fertilisation, biochar alone, and biochar combined with 100%, 75% and 50% mineral fertilisation.

Physicochemical characterisation is complete. Soil incubation has continued beyond 70 days, and the first lettuce pot cycle is approaching harvest. Measurements cover carbon dioxide evolution, plant growth, chlorophyll, biomass, nutrient uptake and soil properties. A second cultivation cycle and field validation are subsequent stages.

Agronomic evaluation is ongoing, including crop response, soil properties and residual effects.