Agricultural research in Brazil explores hydroponics and biochar

Recent academic research in Brazil has explored advancements in sustainable agricultural technologies, focusing on hydroponic efficiency and biomass utilization.

A study conducted in Cametá analyzed the economic and technical viability of hydroponic lettuce cultivation compared to organic methods. The research found that the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic system offers significant advantages, including higher water efficiency, reduced pest and disease incidence, shorter production cycles, and superior leaf quality and uniformity. While organic cultivation averaged 250g per plant over 45 days, the hydroponic model produced plants weighing approximately 400g.

In a separate study, researchers investigated the production of biochar through the pyrolysis of residual lignins from biomass. The study evaluated lignin extracted from sugarcane bagasse and coconut mesocarp as raw materials for biochar production. The findings indicated high efficiency in extracting lignin from sugarcane bagasse and confirmed the amorphous nature of both the extracted lignin and the resulting biochar.