Biochar Influence on Zucchini Growth and Flowering in a Coastal Agroecosystem

Abstract

Biochar, a carbon-rich byproduct of biomass pyrolysis, has emerged as a sustainable soil amendment capable of improving soil health and plant productivity under stress-prone conditions. This study investigates the impact of wood-derived biochar on the growth and reproductive performance of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo). The field experiment was conducted at the research field of the Department of Agriculture, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh (22.82°N latitude and 91.10°E longitude). The site belongs to the Young Meghna Estuarine Floodplain (Agro-ecological Zone 18). Five different biochar treatments (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 tons/ha) were used in a randomized complete block design in Noakhali, Bangladesh. Key growth parameters including leaf number, petiole length, stem length, and biomass, along with reproductive traits such as male and female flower counts, were measured at 35 and 60 days after sowing. Results showed that higher biochar applications, particularly 8 tons/ha (T5), significantly enhanced all measured traits. Eight tons/ha of biochar application resulted in the highest leaf and stem dimensions, flower production, and leaf dry weight. These improvements are attributed to biochar’s ability to enhance soil structure and nutrient availability, along with its capacity to improve water retention. The study concludes that biochar application is an effective strategy for improving zucchini productivity in saline coastal soils, offering a sustainable solution for vegetable cultivation in stress-prone agroecosystems.