Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Scientific Reports

Publication Date

12-1-2026

Abstract

This study characterized a green-waste-derived biochar from date palms and ghaf trees and investigated its potential as a soil amendment with halotolerant Bacillus spp. to improve tomato seedling quality under dual stress of salinity and nutrient deficiency. Biochar was produced through pyrolysis at 450 °C and then characterized for yield, pH, electrical conductivity, proximate analysis, surface morphology, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and heavy-metal content. Its effectiveness was tested both alone and in combination with a Bacillus sp. mix, using a completely randomized design with varying NPK fertilizer levels and saline irrigation. Tomato seedlings were evaluated 45 days after planting for various vegetative, morphological, physiological, and nutrient content indicators. Under normal conditions, applying biochar combined with a Bacillus mix at 0% NPK greatly enhanced all measured parameters, often exceeding values observed with 100% NPK fertilization. This approach was especially effective under saline irrigation, resulting in significant increases in morphological parameters (40–150%), physiological parameters (51–94%), and nutrient content (34–63%) compared to control plants that received 100% NPK. Additionally, this treatment resulted in a 42% decrease in sodium accumulation. Using the biochar with the Bacillus mix effectively replaces chemical fertilizers and enhances salinity tolerance, supporting sustainable farming through waste recycling and less dependence on fertilizers.

ISSN

2045-2322

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Volume

16

Issue

1

Disciplines

Engineering | Life Sciences

Keywords

Bacillus mix, Chemical fertilization, Salinity, Sustainability, Tomato seedlings

Scopus ID

105027918702

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

yes

Open Access Type

Gold: This publication is openly available in an open access journal/series

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