Wood Vinegar: A promising agricultural input: A review

Abstract

With the increasing emphasis on health and environmental sustainability, organic agriculture is gaining momentum. Wood vinegar, a by-product of wood pyrolysis, has emerged as a valuable organic agricultural input. It exhibits multifaceted roles, acting as a natural insecticide effective against various pests, including sucking pests, subterranean pests, storage and household pests, as well as non-insect pests such as snails, slugs, and mites. Additionally, wood vinegar serves as a fungicide targeting soil-borne and foliar phytopathogenic fungi. Beyond its pesticidal properties, it contributes to soil health by buffering pH and stimulating beneficial microbial activity. As a plant growth regulator, wood vinegar promotes seed germination, enhances seedling vigour, supports vegetative and reproductive growth, and bolsters resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses, culminating in increased crop yields. Furthermore, recent studies indicate its potential as a herbicide. These diverse benefits are attributed to the synergistic effects of its chemical constituents, including phenols and organic acids. Consequently, wood vinegar holds significant promise for integration into sustainable and organic farming systems.