Mitigation of drought disaster in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor l. Moench) in Ultisol soil with application of soil amendments and NPK for diversification and improvement of food security

Abstract

Drought is a common obstacle in crop cultivation. One third of the world’s food land is experiencing drought, which is increasing from year to year. Mitigation measures are needed to maintain national food security. The use of compost and biochar on Ultisol soils can increase crop yields and productivity under drought stress. Research on Jantho Ultisol soil with low fertility using a soil amadement of 10 t. ha−1, compost can increase soil pH from 4.57 to 5.97 at 50% field capacity soil moisture, an increase in sorghum yield from 1.54 t.ha−1 to 3.37 t.ha−1. Application of biochar 10 t.ha−1 increased pH from 4.57 to 5.03 at 50% field capacity soil moisture, an increase in yield from 1.5 4 t.ha−1 to 2.65 t.ha−1 with 600 kg ha−1 NP K fertilization at 50% soil field capacity moisture. The application of compost and biochar was effective in increasing soil pH and sorghum yield on Ultisol soil. This has mitigated the impact of drought and is an opportunity to increase productivity, diversify of food to increase food security towards food sustainability.