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New England’s soil is often nutrient-poor and rocky, posing challenges for agriculture. This study explores the effects of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and nutrient-infused biochar on Red-Arrow radish plant growth as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers for at-home plant growth. Due to limited access to commercial PGPB strains, tomato extract and compost were used to inoculate biochar with naturally occurring Bacillus and Stenotrophomonas species. Pea plants were grown in three conditions: (1) biochar-infused soil, (2) soil with “Miracle-Gro All Purpose Water Soluble Plant Food” fertilizer, and (3) untreated control soil. Growth was measured weekly over three months based on plant height. Despite winter climate challenges, plants grown in bacteria-infused biochar showed significantly greater growth compared to the fertilizer and control groups. These results suggest that biochar inoculated with naturally occurring PGPB could be an effective, eco-friendly soil amendment for improving plant growth in nutrient-deficient environments for consumers.

Bio-Char(ming) New England’s Soil Fertilizer

School

Shrewsbury High School
Shrewsbury, MA

BioBuilderClub Season

2024-2025 Season

Category

Resources

‘Bury Biohazards Abstract 2025

‘Bury Biohazards LT ‘25

‘Bury Biohazards Poster ‘25