Abstract
Hydrochar is a carbon-based material that can be used as soil amendment.
Since the physical-chemical properties of hydrochar are mainly assigned
to process parameters, we aimed at evaluating the organic fraction of
different hydrochars through C-13-NMR and off-line TMAH-GC/MS. Four
hydrochars produced with sugarcane bagasse, vinasse and sulfuric or
phosphoric acids were analyzed to elucidate the main molecular features.
Germination and initial growth of maize seedlings were assessed using
hydrochar water-soluble fraction to evaluate their potential use as
growth promoters. The hydrochars prepared with phosphoric acid showed
larger amounts of bioavailable lignin-derived structures. Although no
differences were shown about the percentage of maize seeds germination,
the hydrochar produced with phosphoric acid promoted a better seedling
growth. For this sample, the greatest relative percentage of benzene
derivatives and phenolic compounds were associated to hormone-like
effects, responsible for stimulating shoot and root elongation. The
reactions parameters proved to be determinant for the organic
composition of hydrochar, exerting a strict influence on molecular
features and plant growth response.
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