Browsing by Author "Feni, Abongile Jackie"

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    The sustainability of biochar use
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03) Feni, Abongile Jackie; Malgas, Rhoda Ronette; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Agrisciences. Dept. of Conservation Ecology and Entomology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Biochar is a plant-based material that has been extensively studied for its potential in soil remediation, plant growth, and addressing industrial issues like water purification and climate change mitigation. However, there are two main challenges to its application in agriculture, that is, a lack of research- based outside Africa, and the interdependence of food, energy, and water resources. As urbanization in Africa increases, agricultural production areas have expanded to ensure food security, but this has led to the expansion of natural areas and habitats, posing threats to native endemic plants. South Africa's Cape Floristic Region (CFR) has been negatively affected, with some species extinct or threatened. Fynbos, a fire-driven vegetation type, is known for its diverse plant species, including iconic species like buchu, rooibos, and honeybush, which have medicinal properties that benefit local communities. A holistic approach to biochar research is needed to overcome these challenges, considering the interconnected nature of these interconnected resources. This dissertation focuses on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create peace, and human prosperity, reduce environmental degradation, and ensure sustainability. It aligns with the South African Department of Science and Technology's Biotechnology Strategy, which aims to improve the economy by integrating biotechnology and indigenous knowledge. The SDGs that are aligned include i) SDG 2 (ensuring zero hunger); ii) SDG 3 (ensuring good health and well-being); iii) SDG 6 (ensuring clean water and sanitation); iv) SDG 7 (ensuring affordable and clean energy) and lastly v) SDG 15 (Protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use for life on land). With three research chapters, the thesis investigates the potential of biochar by i) conducting a systematic review to analyse the results and draw conclusions based on research on agriculture production; ii) evaluating the interaction between biochar from invasive plant species and seed germination of three Fynbos medicinal plant species using an experiment and lastly iii) focusing on the interactions between food, energy, and water as integrated components for opportunities for optimization and innovation for smallholder farmers in South Africa, using a nexus approach. The results from these chapters showed that biochar does have the potential to i) improve agricultural production (positive response from different plants investigating the effects of biochar on seed germination, growth, yield, response to drought, salinity, pest, diseases, and allelopathy), ii) there is a slightly positive interaction between invasive plants biochar and germination of the seeds of the three medicinal plants and lastly, iii) using initiatives like alien invasive plants clearing on water sources, creating opportunities for farmers to use the alien plants for producing biochar and bio-oil or biofuel to improve the food, energy, and water interconnection. Considering the research in the context of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), this research focuses on applying biochar to enhance agricultural production to address SDGs 2, 6, and 7 in response to the agricultural needs of small-scale farmers in Africa. More specifically, in South Africa, it also explores the three Fynbos seeds in question, based on endemic species with a biocultural and commercial value that relates to SDGs 3 and 15.