Fruit Tree Prunings Transformed into Nutrient-Rich Biochar, Boosting Sustainable Agriculture
Researchers investigated the potential of using fruit tree pruning waste to make biochar, a type of charcoal that can help improve soil quality and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. They collected waste from apple, pear, peach, and persimmon trees after fruit harvesting and processed it using an electric heating method to produce biochar. The study found that biochar made from apple and persimmon trees had the highest yield compared to peach and pear trees. The biochar had significant levels of essential nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which could benefit agriculture by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. Overall, the research suggests that biochar from fruit tree waste could be a valuable resource for enhancing soil health and reducing fertilizer expenses.