Geelong, Australia — A team of researchers has discovered that adding biochar to potting mix can significantly improve basil growth while also advancing sustainable farming practices. Using Internet of Things (IoT) technology to track plant health in real time, the study highlights how small changes in growth media can benefit both agriculture and the environment.
The research, published in Biochar, tested six different growth media for basil cultivation over 30 days in "smart growth cabinets." These controlled chambers allowed continuous monitoring of factors like light, humidity, and plant leaf area using sensors and high-resolution cameras.
The study compared traditional potting mix with soilless blends made from sand, coconut coir, perlite, and biochar — a porous carbon material produced from heating plant waste. Biochar has gained attention for its ability to retain water and nutrients, improve soil health, and lock away carbon for decades.
The results were striking: incorporating 10–20% biochar into potting mix enhanced basil root growth and leaf development without harming overall plant performance. In particular, nutrient-enriched biochar produced three times more plant weight compared to untreated biochar, showing its potential as a slow-release fertilizer.
"Our findings show that moderate levels of biochar can replace part of conventional potting mix, offering a more sustainable and climate-friendly alternative," said lead author Sirjana Adhikari from Deakin University's Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts. "Biochar not only improves plant growth but also contributes to carbon sequestration, making it a win-win for farmers and the environment."
The team also observed that potting mix combined with biochar supported higher levels of key nutrients like potassium, essential for leaf growth in basil. However, too much biochar or untreated mixes with sand and coir reduced growth, underscoring the importance of optimizing biochar type and application rates for different crops.
Beyond basil, the approach has wider implications. Smart monitoring using IoT provides researchers and growers with valuable insights into how different growth media affect plant health over time. This data-driven method could accelerate the adoption of sustainable horticultural practices worldwide.
"With global agriculture under pressure from soil degradation and climate change, soilless growth systems enriched with biochar offer a practical pathway toward resilient food production," Adhikari said.
The research also points to biochar's role in supporting the circular economy. By converting organic waste into a long-lasting carbon-rich material, biochar not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also creates new value for agricultural byproducts.
The authors recommend further research into biochar's long-term nutrient dynamics and its potential to substitute other common growth media, such as perlite, in commercial horticulture.
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Reference:
Adhikari, S., Vernon, M., Adams, S., Webb, L., & Timms, W. (2025). Optimizing sustainable basil cultivation with smart-monitoring: a comparative study of biochar and soilless growth media. Biochar, 7:89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42773-025-00480-0
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About Biochar
Biochar is the first journal dedicated exclusively to biochar research, spanning agronomy, environmental science, and materials science. It publishes original studies on biochar production, processing, and applications—such as bioenergy, environmental remediation, soil enhancement, climate mitigation, water treatment, and sustainability analysis. The journal serves as an innovative and professional platform for global researchers to share advances in this rapidly expanding field.
