Effect of Biochar and Wood Distillate Application on Vegeto-Productive Performances of Strawberry Plants (cv. Charlotte) Under Controlled Conditions

Strawberry [Fragaria × ananassa (Weston) Rozier] cultivation is increasingly shifting toward soilless systems due to soilborne disease pressures and sustainability concerns. Peat, the traditional substrate of choice, faces ecological and economic challenges, driving the search for alternative materials. Biochar, a carbon-rich byproduct of biomass pyrolysis, offers benefits such as enhanced water retention and nutrient dynamics, while wood distillate (WD), a secondary pyrolysis product, functions as a biostimulant promoting plant growth and stress resilience. This study evaluated the effects of biochar (0, 2% and 4% wt/wt) and WD (0, 2.5 mL/L, 5 mL/L and 10 mL/L on the substrate and 3 mL on the leaves) on soilless strawberry cultivation. Biochar had minimal impact during early growth but improved plant height, root length, and leaf area at harvest, particularly at higher concentrations, while at lowest doses, fruit yield and most quality parameters were unaffected, with slight improvements in colour and soluble solids. WD treatments, especially at 2.5 and 5 mL/L, enhanced several morphological and physiological traits. While neither amendment significantly increased yield or bioactive compound accumulation, both demonstrated potential to improve plant vigour and fruit quality. These findings support the use of biochar and WD as sustainable inputs in resource-efficient, climate-resilient strawberry production systems.