Composites of Biochar and Biofertilizer Pellets: Preserving Nutrients, Stabilizing Microorganisms, and Enhancing Soil Health in Mulberry Gardens

Abstract

Mulberry-based sericulture relies on high-quality leaf production, which demands intensive nutrient management and careful soil stewardship. Conventional chemical fertilizers, while effective in boosting leaf biomass, often lead to nutrient losses, soil degradation, and environmental pollution. Recent advances in biochar-biofertilizer pellet technology offer a promising sustainable alternative. These pellets combine biochar’s physical and chemical benefits with the delivery of beneficial microbial inoculants, enabling controlled nutrient release, enhanced soil fertility, and improved microbial viability. Empirical studies demonstrate that biochar-based pellets increase mulberry leaf biomass, crude protein, chlorophyll content, and essential nutrient uptake, while stabilizing nutrient availability across successive harvests. Improved leaf quality in turn enhances silkworm growth, cocoon yield, and silk quality, linking soil health directly to sericulture productivity. Despite these advantages, challenges remain regarding long-term field performance, large-scale adoption, production costs, and microbial stability. Future research should focus on low-cost, waste-derived biochar, customized microbial consortia, and integrated multi-year trials to optimize agronomic outcomes and promote environmentally sustainable sericulture. By integrating soil health, leaf quality, and cocoon productivity, biochar-based pellets represent a practical pathway toward sustainable sericulture systems.