Confirmation of Lettuce Growth Differences and Growing Substrate Changes According to Unused Agrobyproduct Biochar

초록

Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from biomass pyrolysis at high temperatures under oxygen-limited conditions, is recognized for its benefits in growing substrate improvement, water retention, nutrient supply, and carbon sequestration. This study investigated the effects of biochar application on lettuce growth. Biochar was produced from bamboo, coffee grounds, and coconut peat through pyrolysis at 500°C for one hour. It was incorporated into the growing substrate at a 5% (w/w) ratio, and lettuce was cultivated for three weeks. Environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, and CO2 concentration, were monitored using sensors during the cultivation period. The results revealed that lettuce growth was most pronounced in growing substrate amended with coconut peat biochar, achieving a length of 84 mm and width of 51 mm, compared with the control group, which exhibited a length of 45 mm and width of 24 mm. Statistical analysis using a t-test confirmed that the growth differences between biochar-treated growing substrates and the control group were significant (p < 0.05), particularly for coconut peat biochar. All biochar-treated growing substrates promoted greater lettuce growth than the control, suggesting that biochar application creates a favorable environment for crop development. This study confirms that biochar is an effective growing substrate amendment for lettuce cultivation. Further investigations are needed to evaluate its broader applicability across diverse crops and environmental conditions.

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