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Introducing plants in the design of biophilic indoor environments is fundamental for improving human health, well-being, and performance. Previous studies showed that the phenotype of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana grown under LED-sourced CoeLux® lighting systems was characterized by low biomass production rates, a small leaf area, and a low lamina-to-petiole length ratio, suggesting the onset of a strong shade avoidance syndrome. Therefore, it is essential to identify new strategies to improve plant growth under these peculiar light conditions. In the present work, we investigated the effects of two growing media (i.e., low-fertility soil and soil-less substrate), solid and liquid fertilizers, manure, biochar, perlite, mirror reflection of light, and a 24 h photoperiod on A. thaliana plants growing under CoeLux® lighting systems at a light intensity of 30 μmol m−2s−1. We found that the biochar soil amendment to low-fertility soil increases both the above-ground plant biomass and leaf area. Furthermore, the application of a mirror behind the plants and a continuous photoperiod improves not only the biomass and the leaf area but also the lamina-to-petiole length ratio. The combination of different beneficial treatments can further boost plant growth in the low-intensity light environment characterizing the CoeLux® biophilic lighting systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar soil amendment can improve growing medium water and nutrient status and crop productivity. A pot experiment was conducted using Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme plants to investigate the effects of biochar amendment (20% application rate) on a soilless substrate, as well as on plant growth, fruit yield, and quality. During the experiment, substrate characteristics, plant morphological traits, and root and leaf C/N content were analyzed at three sampling points defined as early stage (36 days after germination), vegetative stage (84 days a. g.), and fruit stage (140 days a. g.). Fruit morphological traits, titratable acidity, lycopene, and solid soluble content were measured at the end of the experiment. Biochar ameliorated substrate characteristics (Nav increase of 17% and Ctot increase of 13% at the beginning of the study), resulting in a promotion effect on plant root, shoot, and leaf morphology mainly at the vegetative and fruit stages. Indeed, at these two sampling points, the biochar-treated plants had a greater number of leaves (38 and 68 at the vegetative and fruit stages, respectively) than the untreated plants (32 and 49, respectively). The biochar also increased leaf area with a rise of 26% and 36% compared with the values measured in the untreated plants. Moreover, the amendment increased twofold root length, root surface area, and root, stem, and leaf biomasses in comparison with untreated plants. Regarding plant productivity, although fruit morphology remained unchanged, biochar increased flower and fruit numbers (six times and two times, respectively), acidity (75%), lycopene (28%), and solid soluble content (16%). By unveiling promoting changes in morphological traits, fruit number, and antioxidant content occurring in cherry tomato plants growing in a biochar-treated soilless substrate, it could be possible to highlight the importance of biochar for future applications in the field for enhancing plant production and fruit quality in a sustainable agriculture framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the use of nursery-produced seedlings is the most widely adopted method in forest restoration processes. To ensure and enhance the performance of transplanting seedlings into a specific area, soil amendments are often used due to their ability to improve soil physicochemical properties and, in turn, plant growth and development. The aim of the present study was to evaluate Populus euramericana growth and development on a growing substrate added with biochar and compost, both alone and in combination. To accomplish this aim, a pot experiment was performed to test biochar and/or compost effects on growing substrate physicochemical characteristics, plant morpho-physiological traits, and plant phenology. The results showed that biochar and/or compost improved growing substrate properties by increasing electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and nutrient concentrations. On the one hand, these ameliorations accelerated poplar growth and development. On the other hand, amendments did not have positive effects on some plant morphological traits, although compost alone increased plant height, and very fine and fine root length. The combined use of biochar and compost did not show any synergistic or cumulative beneficial effects and led to a reduction in plant growth and development. In conclusion, compost alone seems to be the best solution in both ameliorating substrate characteristics and increasing plant growth, highlighting the great potential for its proper and effective application in large-scale forest restoration strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work analyzes the impact of biochar-induced modification of soil physico-chemical properties on intra-annual growth dynamics of pioneer and fibrous grapevine roots. A scanner inserted into a buried rhizobox with a transparent side facing the plant root system was used to acquire images of pioneer and fibrous roots of control and biochar-treated plants throughout the vegetative season. Images were analyzed with ImageJ software to measure root traits. Biochar treatment increased soil pH, nutrient concentration, and water content during the driest and warmest period, while bulk density was reduced. Analysis of both pioneer and fibrous root traits highlighted a single peak of growth during the vegetative season. Pioneer roots were thicker and grew faster than fibrous roots, which were longer and more numerous. Amelioration of physico-chemical properties of biochar-amended soil stimulated an earlier root lengthening, and a higher root number at the onset of the season, which resulted in a greater canopy development compared to control plants. Later, in summer, as a consequence of the higher water content of biochar-treated soil, plants modified their root architecture, lowering the number of fibrous roots probably because of the reduced need to exploit soil for water and nutrient uptake. Unlabelled Image • The rhizobox method unveiled a unimodal seasonal pattern of grapevine root growth. • Biochar increased soil pH and nutrient concentration, while reducing bulk density. • Treated soil promoted an earlier root production in terms of number and length. • Biochar increased the soil water content during the harsh summer period • In summer, treated plants lowered the number of fibrous roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light quality and nutrient availability are the primary factors that influence plant growth and development. In a research context of improving indoor plant cultivation while lowering environmental impact practices, we investigated the effect of different light spectra, three provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and one by a fluorescent lamp, on the morpho-physiology of Pisum sativum L. seedlings grown in the presence/absence of biochar. We found that all morpho-physiological traits are sensitive to changes in the red-to-far-red light (R:FR) ratio related to the light spectra used. In particular, seedlings that were grown with a LED type characterized by the lowest R:FR ratio (~2.7; AP67), showed good plant development, both above- and belowground, especially when biochar was present. Biochar alone did not affect the physiological traits, which were influenced by the interplay with lighting type. AP67 LED type had a negative impact only on leaf fluorescence emission in light conditions, which was further exacerbated by the addition of biochar to the growing media. However, we found that the combination of biochar with a specific optimal light spectrum may have a synergetic effect enhancing pea seedling physiological performances and fruit yield and fostering desired traits. This is a promising strategy for indoor plant production while respecting the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]