A study published in the Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition (2025) investigates the potential of hydrochars—carbon-rich materials produced from manure and maize digestates—as bio-based fertilisers. These materials were compared with traditional phosphorus fertilisers like triple superphosphate (TSP) in 12-week soil and plant growth experiments using perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.).
The results showed that hydrochars released phosphorus more gradually, reducing the risk of nutrient leaching. Mono-digestate from pig manure provided the highest plant-available phosphorus and dry biomass, performing comparably to TSP. Meanwhile, hydrochars derived from co-digestates showed slower but steadier nutrient release, contributing to improved soil organic carbon and structural stability.
While hydrochars did not outperform traditional fertilisers in yield, their sustainability advantages, including better soil health, reduced heavy metal mobility, and potential for nutrient recycling, make them promising candidates for circular agriculture. The study recommends combining hydrochars with other organic amendments to achieve optimal crop growth.
Reference
De Castro e Silva, H. L., Robles-Aguilar, A. A., Akyol, Ç., Luo, H., Edayilam, N., & Meers, E. (2025). Hydrochars as Bio-based Fertilisers for Enhancing Biomass Growth: Insights into Phosphorus and Metals Dynamics. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-025-02725-0
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