ArticlePlant and soil2026
Biochar enhances nitrogen use efficiency in lettuce by promoting its metabolic assimilation.
Article in Plant and soil, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Background and aims: Peat replacement with biochar (BC) offers a sustainable strategy in horticultural substrates but its effects on plant nitrogen (N) metabolism and N use efficiency (NUE) remain unclear. This study tested whether vineyard-pruning-derived BC can boost NUE and metabolic activity in lettuce, providing a pathway toward more productive and sustainable horticulture. Methods: Plant substrates (BC, peat and vermiculite) were prepared in the following proportions (v:v:v): B0 (0:70:30), B15 (15:55:30) and B30 (30:40:30) for growing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. Batavia) under greenhouse conditions for 31 days. We assessed plant growth and physiological traits, quantified N species and calculated NUE parameters and the activities of key N assimilation enzymes. Results: B30 plants produced 44.2% more biomass and 23.2% larger leaf area than B0, resulting in lower specific leaf area and greater succulence. BC addition decreased available NO₃⁻ and NH₄⁺ in substrate and roots without causing any plant stress symptoms, as chlorophyll content and PSII efficiency remained stable. B30 increased N uptake flux, N utilization efficiency, partial N balance, and N productivity by 31.8%, 34.8%, 27.8%, and 13.8%, respectively, relative to B0, coinciding with enhanced N-assimilation enzymatic activity. Despite lower total N in roots and shoots, protein accumulation increased, indicating more efficient N conversion into organic compounds. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the potential of BC-based substrates (especially 30% BC) to enhance lettuce productivity by improving NUE through the stimulation of N assimilation pathway, offering a promising strategy to optimize N-fertilizer needs to support more sustainable agriculture and soil management practices. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11104-025-07997-0.
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