Dorosh, OlenaPeixoto, Andreia F.Delerue-Matos, CristinaCastro, Paula M. L.Moreira, Manuela M.2026-01-092026-01-092025-12-15Dorosh, O., Peixoto, A. F., Delerue-Matos, C., & Castro, P. M. L. et al. (2025). Optimizing vineyard pruning biochars for nutrient adsorption: toward sustainable fertilizer applications. Environments, 12(12), Article 491. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments121204912076-3298d42ce4b9-0138-453c-9eb1-e91be7c35fd3http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/56466Agricultural residues, such as vineyard prunings, are abundant yet underutilized resources with potential for conversion into value-added products. In this study, vineyard prunings were investigated for the first time as feedstock for nutrient-enriched biochars intended for use as enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs). Four biochars were produced using distinct physical (industrial-scale pyrolysis, CO2-assisted pyrolysis) and chemical (MgCl2, AlCl3 pretreatment) procedures. Their adsorption capacities for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were evaluated across a wide pH range (2–13). Optimization studies, including dosage, kinetics, and isotherms, revealed maximum Langmuir adsorption capacities of 10.4 mg N g?1 and 12.7 mg P g?1, which were comparable to or higher than other low-cost agricultural biochars, confirming the competitive performance of vineyard pruning-derived biochars. Beyond adsorption efficiency, these biochars provide additional benefits by valorizing a widely available viticulture residue, reducing open-field disposal and burning, and generating low-cost fertilizers that may reduce nutrient leaching and improve soil health. This work introduces a novel circular pathway linking vineyard waste management to sustainable nutrient delivery, integrating agricultural byproduct utilization with environmental remediation strategies.engAdsorptionBiocharEnhanced efficiency fertilizersNitrogenPhosphorusVineyard pruningresearch article10.3390/environments12120491105025786511001646354500001