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Innovative Silicon-Enriched Biochar as a Soil Amendment: Effects on Soil–Plant Interactions

Author

Listed:
  • Małgorzata Mironiuk

    (Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Dawid Skrzypczak

    (Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Filip Gil

    (Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Grzegorz Izydorczyk

    (Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Oliwia Armatys

    (Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Katarzyna Chojnacka

    (Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland)

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of using biochar from the tanning industry as a silicon carrier to reduce trace element toxicity and improve plant nutrition in soil–plant systems. Silicon-enriched biochar was produced from chromium-free leather waste and applied in 21-day pot trials with cucumber. It contained 11.6 ± 2.3% SiO 2 and effectively served as a slow-release silicon carrier. Optimal plant growth and nutrient uptake were achieved with the application of 100% silicon without additional NPK fertilizers, demonstrating a strong positive correlation with essential trace elements such as copper and iron. Importantly, silicon fertilization significantly reduced the uptake of toxic metals such as Al, Cd, and Ti, underscoring the potential of silicon-enriched biochar for phytoremediation and sustainable crop production. Using silicon-enriched biochar from industrial leather waste thus provides a novel, sustainable strategy to improve soil fertility and plant health while repurposing waste. Future work should include long-term field trials and examine species-specific responses and management practices to scale up this approach for enhanced crop resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Małgorzata Mironiuk & Dawid Skrzypczak & Filip Gil & Grzegorz Izydorczyk & Oliwia Armatys & Katarzyna Chojnacka, 2026. "Innovative Silicon-Enriched Biochar as a Soil Amendment: Effects on Soil–Plant Interactions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-22, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:10:p:4770-:d:1939940
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