Biodegradable composites from organic waste as a circular solution for improving soil fertility, water retention, and...

Growing environmental problems and challenges related to plant production require the use of innovative soil additives that reduce water deficits and soil fertility decline while caring for the environment. This study presents a sustainable approach to improving soil properties and plant growth conditions through the use of innovative biodegradable soil additives made from organic waste with the addition of biochar and Trichoderma. A two-year field experiment conducted in difficult habitats included an assessment of the impact biodegradable composites on soil and plants properties, water availability. The use of composites resulted in intensive plant growth, increasing biomass gains by up to 190%. A significant improvement in soil parameters was noted, as evidenced by increases of up to 119%, 177%, and 145% in the N, P, K content of the soil. The amendments also enhanced plant water status, as evidenced by a 20% increase in leaf relative water content, and the beneficial effects persisted into the second year of the study. The results obtained indicate that the combination of biodegradable fibers with biochar has significant potential in the creation of circular environmental technologies. The research provides new insights into the dynamics of natural fiber biodegradation and the functional role of biochar in improving soil quality.