Application of coconut shell biochar and rhizobacteria consortium to increase cocoa production (Theobroma cacao L.)

Abstract

This research is aimed to study and investigate how coconut shell biochar interacts with rhizobacteria in increasing cocoa plant growth and production. This research was conducted at Kodeoha, North Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi with an alluvial soil type and average rainfall is 192.17 mm from October 2022 until January 2023. The experiment was set using a split plot design with biochar dosage as the Main Plot consisted of four levels, namely 0 ton ha−1 (control), 2.5 ton ha−1, 5 ton ha−1, and 7.5 ton ha−1 and rhizobacteria concentration as Sub Plots consisted of four levels, namely 0 mL L−1, 50 mL L−1, 100 mL L−1, and 150 mL L−1. The results of the recent research show a significant interaction between biochar 10 ton ha−1 and rhizobacteria 150 mL L−1 on the parameter of percentage of cherelle wilt (60.47 %) and percentage estimated of surviving pods (28.68%). This doses suggested to be applied to cocoa plantations in the field to maintain maximum production. In addition, there is a need for further research using spesific bacteria especially potassium solvents in order to maximize the production potential.