Biochar could be a promising peat substitute for horticultural plant production. We evaluated the feasibility of rice husk biochar (RHB) and wood chip biochar (WCB) as a peat-based substrate component for the cultivation of Rhododendron delavayi Franch., that is an ornamental dwarf tree species. A pot experiment was conducted to test the effects of RHB and WCB treatments at five application rates ( 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% by volume) on morphological, photosynthetic and biochemical characteristics of R. delavayi. The substrate properties, plant growth, root traits, photosynthetic and biochemical parameters were analyzed. The addition of 20% WCB or 30-40% RHB enhanced the growth and photosynthetic activity of R. delavayi seedling, including increased plant height, numbers of leaves, leaf area, root surface area and root tip numbers, as well as improved total chlorophylls content and net photosynthetic rate. The addition of 40% RHB significantly increased the contents of carotenoids, polyphenols and anthocyans, indicating an enhanced antioxidant activity of R. delavayi seedlings. The mixed substrates (20% WCB, 30% RHB and 40% RHB) all have balanced aeration porosity and water holding porosity, suitable pH and electrical conductivity, and increased plant nutrient supply (especially K, Fe and Mn). However, the 40% WCB substrate depressed seedlings growth and reduced total chlorophylls content and net photosynthetic rate. The negative effects were linked to its low water holding porosity, high alkalinity and salinity, as well as high content of phytotoxic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile matter. In conclusion, a peat-based substrate containing 20% WCB or 30–40% RHB is a more favorable growth media for obtaining high-quality R. delavayi seedlings, while achieving sustainable horticulture production.

Biochar 可能是园艺植物生产的有前途的泥炭替代品。我们评估了稻壳生物炭 (RHB) 和木屑生物炭 (WCB) 作为泥炭基质成分种植杜鹃花的可行性Franch.，那是一种观赏性矮树种。进行了盆栽试验，以测试在五种施用率（按体积计 0、10、20、30 和 40%）下 RHB 和 WCB 处理对 R. delavayi 的形态、光合和生化特性的影响。分析了底物特性、植物生长、根系性状、光合和生化参数。添加 20% WCB 或 30-40% RHB 可增强德拉瓦伊幼苗的生长和光合活性，包括增加株高、叶片数、叶面积、根表面积和根尖数，以及改善总叶绿素含量和净光合速​​率。添加 40% RHB 显着增加了类胡萝卜素、多酚和花青素的含量，表明 R. delavayi 幼苗的抗氧化活性增强。混合基质（20% WCB、30% RHB 和 40% RHB）均具有平衡的通气孔隙率和持水孔隙率，适宜的 pH 值和电导率，增加植物养分供应（尤其是 K、Fe 和 Mn）。然而，40% WCB 底物抑制了幼苗生长并降低了总叶绿素含量和净光合速​​率。负面影响与其低保水孔隙率、高碱度和盐度以及高含量的植物毒性化合物（如多环芳烃和挥发性物质）有关。总之，含有 20% WCB 或 30-40% RHB 的泥炭基质是获得高质量 R. delavayi 幼苗的更有利的生长介质，同时实现可持续的园艺生产。30%RHB和40%RHB）均具有平衡的通气孔和持水孔，适宜的pH和电导率，增加植物养分供应（尤其是K、Fe和Mn）。然而，40% WCB 底物抑制了幼苗生长并降低了总叶绿素含量和净光合速​​率。负面影响与其低保水孔隙率、高碱度和盐度以及高含量的植物毒性化合物（如多环芳烃和挥发性物质）有关。总之，含有 20% WCB 或 30-40% RHB 的泥炭基质是获得高质量 R. delavayi 幼苗的更有利的生长介质，同时实现可持续的园艺生产。30%RHB和40%RHB）均具有平衡的通气孔和持水孔，适宜的pH和电导率，增加植物养分供应（尤其是K、Fe和Mn）。然而，40% WCB 底物抑制了幼苗生长并降低了总叶绿素含量和净光合速​​率。负面影响与其低保水孔隙率、高碱度和盐度以及高含量的植物毒性化合物（如多环芳烃和挥发性物质）有关。总之，含有 20% WCB 或 30-40% RHB 的泥炭基质是获得高质量 R. delavayi 幼苗的更有利的生长介质，同时实现可持续的园艺生产。40% WCB 底物抑制了幼苗生长并降低了总叶绿素含量和净光合速​​率。负面影响与其低保水孔隙率、高碱度和盐度以及高含量的植物毒性化合物（如多环芳烃和挥发性物质）有关。总之，含有 20% WCB 或 30-40% RHB 的泥炭基质是获得高质量 R. delavayi 幼苗的更有利的生长介质，同时实现可持续的园艺生产。40% WCB 底物抑制了幼苗生长并降低了总叶绿素含量和净光合速​​率。负面影响与其低保水孔隙率、高碱度和盐度以及高含量的植物毒性化合物（如多环芳烃和挥发性物质）有关。总之，含有 20% WCB 或 30-40% RHB 的泥炭基质是获得高质量 R. delavayi 幼苗的更有利的生长介质，同时实现可持续的园艺生产。