Institutional Repository
Technical University of Crete
Technical University of Crete
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| URI: | http://purl.tuc.gr/dl/dias/4898B058-5D57-4738-91EF-A8531C5D677D | ||
| Year | 2025 | ||
| Type of Item | Diploma Work | ||
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| Bibliographic Citation | Kyriaki Koulouri, "Effect of biochar from sewage sludge and reeds, and compost from urban solid waste on tomato cultivation in flower beds", Diploma Work, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece, 2025 https://doi.org/10.26233/heallink.tuc.105023 | ||
| Appears in Collections |
This present study aimed at producing biochar from sewage sludge and plant residues, as well as evaluating its application to soil as a soil amendment, focusing on its effects on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) growth and yield. Within the framework of circular waste utilization, the feedstock consisted of a mixture of dewatered sludge from the Municipal Water and Sewerage Company of Chania (DEYAX) and reeds from pilot constructed wetlands at a ratio of 4:1, which was pretreated and pyrolyzed at 600°C. The produced biochar, together with compost obtained from the organic fraction of urban solid waste (DEDISA Chania), was used in a 91-day experimental trial conducted in flower beds at the Technical University of Crete. Four treatments with six replications each were established: control (CON: 100% soil), biochar (BC: 95% soil + 5% BC), compost (CM: 95% soil + 5% CM), and their combination (BC–CM: 90% soil + 5% BC + 5% CM).Throughout the experiment, measurements of soil physicochemical properties, plant morphological traits, macro- and micronutrient concentrations, as well as three harvests for yield assessment were carried out. The results showed that pyrolysis produced a carbon-rich biochar with increased inorganic content, higher pH, and lower electrical conductivity compared to the biomass. In soil, biochar enhanced total organic carbon and improved P and K availability, while reducing available nitrogen forms. Compost supplied readily available nutrients, increasing conductivity and enhancing primarily Mg and trace elements. Their combination demonstrated a joint effect, leading to maximum vegetative growth, improved nutrient balance, and higher marketable yield, without accumulation of hazardous heavy metal concentrations in the fruits.In conclusion, the application of biochar, particularly in combination with compost, improved soil physicochemical properties, enhanced vegetative growth, and increased both the quantity and quality of tomato production. The study confirms that sewage sludge pyrolysis functions as an innovative circular economy strategy with significant benefits for agriculture and the environment.
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