Title:
Biochar Water Retention Capacity in Greenhouse Cultivation of Cannabis Sativa L.
Author(s):
Patelli, N., Santunione, G., Ottani, F., Parenti, M., Pedrazzi, S., Allesina, G.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
In the last years Cannabis sativa L. cultivation has significantly grown for fiber production and, since the development of low Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) varieties, inflorescence production for both recreational and medical use. C. sativa plants used for inflorescence production are usually grown in greenhouses to optimize and accelerate plants growth, avoiding pesticides and ensuring a solid production all year. This study wants to evaluate the water retention capacity of different types of biochar added to C. sativa growth substrate. Biochar is a type of charcoal produced by pyrolysis of biomass residuals in absence of oxygen. It has been proven to have a significant effect on carbon sequestration and soil fertility when buried in agricultural soils. Due to its high porosity, biochar structure positively influences nutrient and water retention, which is particularly relevant in loose soils. To assess the water retention capacity of biochar, we added 3 different concentration and formulates to a coconut fiber and perlites substrate on which C. sativa has been grown indoor. To complete the experiment, we tested the water retention capacity of the 3 different soil mixtures (plus an untreated control) by weight. Results show that biochar-added soils have a great water retention capacity. The difference between treated and untreated has been particularly relevant in the first growing stage, when the irrigation was scarce: this means that biochar-added soil can retain humidity most effectively and for longer time when irrigation is at a low regime, allowing to save water at the same time. However, this experiment revealed the lack of studies that compare different water regime to find the balance between irrigation and plant productivity. Future studies must focus on the right irrigation regime to find the best strategy to save water and increase plant productivity.
Keywords:
agriculture, gasification, irrigation, biochar, water use
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Innovative biomass production for energy integrated into traditional agri-forestry systems
Event:
30th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1AV.4.2
Pages:
111 - 115
ISBN:
978-88-89407-22-6
Paper DOI:
10.5071/30thEUBCE2022-1AV.4.2
Price:
FREE
