Agricultural application of ammonium-enriched hydrochars: Cultivation practices to improve quality and yield of Matricaria recutita L.


BAHADIRLI N. P., Geçgel C., Yabalak E.

Industrial Crops and Products, vol.225, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 225
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.120436
  • Journal Name: Industrial Crops and Products
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, INSPEC, Metadex, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: Cultivation, Hybrid hydrochar, Medicinal chamomile, Olive pits and sunflower seed shells
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The disposal of organic agricultural waste is a global issue that countries are addressing. Transforming this waste into hydrochar, which has notable advantages for soil improvement and pollutant removal, is drawing increasing interest. This study examined the impact of ammonium-enriched hydrochars on various agricultural properties of Matricaria recutita (medicinal chamomile), a widely used herbal tea plant. A hydrothermal process was employed to optimize the creation of ammonium-enriched hybrid hydrochar using two types of agricultural waste (olive pits and sunflower seed shells). To identify the optimal conditions for ammonium adsorption, four variables were assessed: pH, initial ammonium concentration, hydrochar concentration, and temperature. The ideal hydrochar production conditions from sunflower seed shells and olive pits were established as a 20/80 mixing ratio, 240 °C, and 160 minutes of processing time. The maximum ammonium adsorption to the hybrid hydrochar was 14.60 mg NH4+/g HC at pH 6.5, with an adsorbent concentration of 1.5 g/L, 35 °C, and an ammonium concentration of 40 mg/L. Different hydrochar doses (0.5 ton/da - T-1; 1 ton/da - T-2; 2 ton/da - T-3; raw hydrochar 0.4 ton/da - T-4; and a control with no hydrochar) were applied to luvisol-classified soil. Their effects on plant height, number of branches per plant, fresh/dry flower yield, and essential oil composition were evaluated. The hydrochar treatments influenced soil Ca, Mn, and Zn levels, as well as water saturation rates. T-4 increased plant height, while T-2 enhanced branch count and dry flower yield. Additionally, bisabolene oxide, bisabolol oxide A, and chamazulene were detected across all treatments in varying concentrations.