Evaluating Drought Resilience and Root Architecture of Canna spp in "Charged" Biochar Wood vs Peat Substrates
Location
CoLab, COM 264
Start Date
30-4-2026 1:15 PM
Document Type
Poster
Description
As urban areas face intensifying heat and unpredictable cold, there is a growing need for "living infrastructure." Traditional horticulture relies heavily on peat moss, a non-renewable resource. This study investigates the viability of a peat-free substrate composed of kiln-dried pine shavings and "charged" biochar, compared to a standard peat-based control. To facilitate rapid data collection, Canna spp. was selected as a physiological model due to its aggressive growth rate and resilience. The experimental design included 10 specimens: five established in a standard peat-based medium and five in the sustainable "charged" biochar. To prevent nutrient immobilization, the biochar was "charged" with a nitrogen-rich 5-1-1 fish emulsion prior to incorporation. Two primary metrics were used to assess drought resilience and root establishment: leaf surface temperature, monitored via a handheld infrared (IR) thermometer during induced "dry-down" cycles, and transpirational cooling under moisture stress. Following the growth period, root systems were analyzed to quantify branching patterns and rhizomatous development. This research determines if waste-stream-derived substances can provide a viable, sustainable framework for urban planting that matches or exceeds the performance of traditional peat media in high-heat scenarios.
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Evaluating Drought Resilience and Root Architecture of Canna spp in "Charged" Biochar Wood vs Peat Substrates
CoLab, COM 264
As urban areas face intensifying heat and unpredictable cold, there is a growing need for "living infrastructure." Traditional horticulture relies heavily on peat moss, a non-renewable resource. This study investigates the viability of a peat-free substrate composed of kiln-dried pine shavings and "charged" biochar, compared to a standard peat-based control. To facilitate rapid data collection, Canna spp. was selected as a physiological model due to its aggressive growth rate and resilience. The experimental design included 10 specimens: five established in a standard peat-based medium and five in the sustainable "charged" biochar. To prevent nutrient immobilization, the biochar was "charged" with a nitrogen-rich 5-1-1 fish emulsion prior to incorporation. Two primary metrics were used to assess drought resilience and root establishment: leaf surface temperature, monitored via a handheld infrared (IR) thermometer during induced "dry-down" cycles, and transpirational cooling under moisture stress. Following the growth period, root systems were analyzed to quantify branching patterns and rhizomatous development. This research determines if waste-stream-derived substances can provide a viable, sustainable framework for urban planting that matches or exceeds the performance of traditional peat media in high-heat scenarios.
Comments
The faculty mentor for this project was Brian Mitchell.