The effectiveness of amended NPK fertilizer and biochar in the medium of planting Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis)

Abstract

Sacha inchi is an underutilised crop species. The plant is also rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids and thus has good potential to be planted on a wide scale to address problems with food security and hunger. Hence, a study was conducted to determine the ideal medium composition through the application of NPK and biochar as soil amendments in the planting medium. T0 (control), T1 (99.92g biochar), T2 (199.84g biochar), T3 (2.47g NPK), T4 (2.47g NPK+99.92g biochar), and T5 (2.47g NPK+199.84g biochar) treatments were prepared, and each was replicated four times. NPK fertiliser was applied at split doses according to plant age. The results of the study indicated that T4 has promoted many growth parameters, such as leaf number (63), plant height (174.6cm), and leaf length (18.5cm). Thus, soil medium supplemented with 99.92g biochar and 2.47g NPK fertiliser was found effective in increasing and promoting the growth of Sacha inchi. The use of biochar is also one of the alternatives to reducing the negative impact of inorganic fertiliser use and is beneficial to the environment.