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A Novel Hybrid Smart Fertilizer of Biochar and Nano-Hydroxyapatite: Characterization and Performance for Improving Sandy Soil Fertility

Author

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  • Nedaa M. Radwan

    (Department of Soils & Water, Faculty of Environmental Agricultural Sciences, Arish University, Al-Arish 45511, Egypt
    Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Research Department, Soil, Water and Environment Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt)

  • Mohamed A. Hassan

    (Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Central Lab, Agricultural Research Center, 9 Algamaa Street, Giza 12619, Egypt
    Regional Center for Food and Feed, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt)

  • Ahmed M. Awad

    (Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Research Department, Soil, Water and Environment Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt)

  • Mostafa A. Hassan

    (Department of Soils & Water, Faculty of Environmental Agricultural Sciences, Arish University, Al-Arish 45511, Egypt)

  • Ezzat R. Marzouk

    (Department of Soils & Water, Faculty of Environmental Agricultural Sciences, Arish University, Al-Arish 45511, Egypt
    Agricultural Research Department, Ministry of Municipality, Doha 200022, Qatar)

Abstract

Sandy calcareous soils in arid regions suffer from low phosphorus (P) availability due to high fixation rates, limiting crop productivity. This study investigates a novel hybrid smart fertilizer (BN) composed of olive pomace biochar (BC) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP). BN was synthesized and characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM/TEM, and zeta potential analysis. Its P release kinetics were modeled, and its agronomic performance was assessed on faba bean ( Vicia faba L.) in a pot experiment under sandy soil conditions with and without wood vinegar (WV). The 1:1 BC:nHAP formulation showed a two-stage release profile: a rapid initial burst (Higuchi model, R 2 = 0.86) followed by sustained zero-order release (R 2 = 0.80). In the pot experiment, BN combined with WV significantly increased plant height by 36%, shoot fresh weight by 232%, and available soil P by 39% compared to conventional SSP ( p < 0.05). This synergistic treatment also improved root nodulation and nutrient (N, P, K) uptake. The BC-nHAP hybrid coupled with WV acts as an efficient P delivery system, improving soil fertility in arid environments based on circular economy principles, aligning with SDGs 2, 12, and 15.

Suggested Citation

  • Nedaa M. Radwan & Mohamed A. Hassan & Ahmed M. Awad & Mostafa A. Hassan & Ezzat R. Marzouk, 2026. "A Novel Hybrid Smart Fertilizer of Biochar and Nano-Hydroxyapatite: Characterization and Performance for Improving Sandy Soil Fertility," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-23, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:9:p:4247-:d:1927768
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