Effect of various types and doses of biochar on hybrid maize growth

Abstract

Climate change also has an impact on agriculture, especially at Mediterranean red-yellow soil which is characterized with low fertility. The application of biochar is an alternative to increase soil fertility, as well as promoting the growth and yield of maize in red-yellow Mediterranean soil. The study aimed it determining the appropriate type and dose of biochar in red-yellow Mediterranean soil to support the growth of hybrid maize. The study used a factorial Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with two factors. The first factor was the type of biochar which consisted of 3 levels, namely coconut shell biochar (B1), rice husk biochar (B2), and maize cob biochar (B3). The second factor was the dose of biochar which consists of 5 levels, namely 0 ton.ha−1 (D0), 5 ton.ha−1 (D1), 10 ton.ha−1 (D2), 15 ton.ha−1 ( D3), and 20 ton.ha−1 (D4). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) continued with the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at level 5% were employed for data analysis. The results showed that the application of biochar had a significant effect on the growth of hybrid maize, especially on some observational variables. The application of biochar rice husks significantly affected the stem diameter, leaves number, and dry weight of 7 week after plant (WAP). The dose of 15 tons.ha−1 significantly affected the dry weight of 4 WAP, while the interaction of rice husk biochar with a dose of 15 tons.ha−1 significantly affected the leaves width.