Polyvinyl Acetate Binders Undermine the Effectiveness of Biochar-Based Seed Coatings

Polyvinyl Acetate Binders Undermine the Effectiveness of Biochar-Based Seed Coatings

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Pyrolyzed organic matter, commonly referred to as biochar, generally has positive effects on plant growth and can enhance early seedling development.Biochar-based seed coatings may thus be beneficial, specifically under adverse soil conditions such as high soil salinity.Using a series of lab and greenhouse experiments, we evaluated germination and early plant development in radish (Raphinus sativa) seeds coated with conifer-feedstock slow-pyrolysis biochar.

Following the precedent of prior studies, polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) was used as the binding agent.Biochar-based seed coatings reduced germination rates and radicle extension in Petri dish trials; however, leaching of coated seeds largely ENERGY AND FOCUS eliminated this effect.PVAc applied in solution inhibited seed germination to a similar extent, suggesting that Counter Stool toxicity of PVAc or chemical products derived from it is the main mechanism for germination inhibition.

A meta-analysis of published literature also indicates negative effects of biochar-based seed coatings using PVAc.In greenhouse trials, the same biochar seed coatings improved aspects of plant growth and physiological status relative to controls, specifically enhancing root development.We conclude that biochar-based seed coatings have promise in promoting early seedling growth and potentially in combating salinity stress in agronomic and restoration applications.

However, our findings contraindicate PVAc use as a binding agent.Further research is needed to test non-phytotoxic, readily biodegradable binding agents and to optimize biochars and seed coating processes for specific applications in agronomy and ecological restoration.