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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
09:39
Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Published on: November 28, 2014
Long-Term Biochar Application Enhances Peanut Yield by Delaying Leaf Senescence and Optimizing Nutrient Balance.
Xinyu Mu1, Ni Zhang1, Wentao Yu1
1College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Long-term biochar application sustained peanut photosynthesis and nutrient balance, significantly boosting crop yield. This soil amendment improves nutrient use efficiency and supports sustainable agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Premature leaf senescence in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) limits yield by reducing photosynthesis and pod filling.
- Long-term effects of biochar on peanut photosynthetic performance and yield via nutrient regulation are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term impact of biochar-based fertilization on peanut photosynthetic capacity, nutrient balance, and yield.
- To determine if biochar application can mitigate late-stage senescence and enhance crop productivity.
Main Methods:
- A long-term field micro-plot experiment (established 2009) tested four fertilization treatments: maize straw return + NPK (CS), pig manure compost + NPK (PMC), biochar + NPK (BIO), and biochar-based fertilizer (BF).
- Peanut photosynthetic parameters, SPAD values, leaf nutrient content (N, P, K), nutrient use efficiencies, carbon allocation, and yield were measured.
- Statistical analysis compared treatment effects on key growth and yield parameters.
Main Results:
- The BIO treatment maintained higher net photosynthetic rates and SPAD values at full-pod maturity compared to CS, PMC, and BF.
- Biochar application significantly increased leaf K content and maintained favorable N:K and N:P ratios, indicating improved nutrient balance.
- The BIO treatment showed the highest contribution of photosynthetic carbon to pod dry weight, leading to a 19.2-28.6% yield increase.
Conclusions:
- Long-term biochar application sustains late-stage photosynthetic performance in peanuts.
- Biochar improves leaf nutrient balance, particularly K content, and enhances nutrient use efficiency.
- Biochar-based fertilization is a promising strategy for sustainable peanut production, leading to significant yield improvements.
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