Enhancing Tomato Plant Growth and Soil Health through Application of Biochar Derived from Microcystis aeruginosa (Cyanobacteria)

Abstract

This research investigated the potential of biochar derived from the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa as a soil amendment for improving tomato plant growth and soil health. M. aeruginosa was cultivated in a semi-continuous culture system, and its biomass was converted into biochar through pyrolysis. The biochar was then applied to soil planted with tomato seedlings. The results demonstrated that biochar application significantly enhanced various tomato plant growth parameters, including germination rate, root length, shoot length, leaf length, number of leaves per plant, and water use efficiency. Furthermore, biochar application led to increased chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content in the tomato plants. The study also revealed positive impacts of biochar on soil properties. Biochar application improved soil pH by shifting it from acidic to neutral and increased soil moisture content. Soil microbial populations, including both bacteria and fungi, exhibited significant growth after biochar amendment. Additionally, the activity of soil enzymes, such as soil acid phosphatase and soil dehydrogenase, was enhanced by biochar application. Moreover, biochar application resulted in increased soil content of essential plant nutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These findings suggest that biochar derived from M. aeruginosa holds promise as a sustainable soil amendment for promoting tomato plant growth and improving overall soil health.