A study on replacing chemical fertilizers with a mixture of biochar and rare earth elements for cultivating various Choy sum (Brassica chinensis L) varieties in foam boxes

Abstract

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture has led to significant environmental concerns, necessitating the exploration of more sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the potential of using a mixture of biochar and rare earth elements (REEs) as a replacement for chemical fertilizers in the cultivation of various choy sum varieties in foam boxes. Over a controlled growing season, experimental groups were treated with either traditional chemical fertilizers or the biochar-REE mixture. Key metrics such as plant growth, yield, and soil health were systematically measured and analyzed. The results indicated that the biochar-REE mixture provided comparable plant growth and yield to conventional chemical fertilizers. Moreover, soil health parameters, including microbial activity and nutrient retention, showed significant improvement with the biochar-REE treatment. These findings suggest that biochar and REEs can serve as effective and sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers, promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Further research is recommended to optimize application rates and to evaluate the long-term impacts on soil ecosystems.