Characteristic of Mahogany leaves as biochar and its effect with Urea fertilization on nitrogen status and growth of corn in Ultisol

Abstract

This research aims to know the characteristics of mahogany leaves as Biochar and its effect with urea fertilization on N status and growth of Corn (Zea mays L.) in Ultisol. Mahogany Leaves Biochar (MLB) was made using retort pyrolysis method at 409 °C for 3 hours. This research was carried out in a greenhouse used Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) by 2 factors and 3 repetitions. Factor I, MLB: B0 (without MLB) and B1 (40 tons MLB/ha) and Factor II, doses of urea: N1 = 100, N2 = 200, N3 = 300 and N4 = 400 kg urea/ha. The results showed MLB has parameters that significantly influenced N uptake, N uptake efficiency, plant height, stem diameter, root dry weight, and shoot dry weight. Urea fertilization had a significant effect on the efficiency of N uptake and the interaction of MLB and Urea had a significant effect on the efficiency of N uptake.