Effect of biochar from young coconut waste to improve chemical properties of ultisols and growth coffee [Coffea arabica L.] plant seeds

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of biochar from young coconut [Cocus nucifera L.] waste to improve the chemical properties of Ultisols and the growth of coffee [Coffea arabica] plant seeds. The research has been carried out at the Laboratory of Chemistry and Soil Fertility and Experimental wirehouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University, Padang. This research used a Completely Randomized Design [CRD] with 3 replications. The formulation is biochar of young coconut waste/8 kg of soil ie: A = 0.0%; B = 0.5% [173 g]; C = 1.0% [348 g]; D = 1.5% [520 g]; and E = 2.0% [693 g]. The results of the utilization of young coconut waste as a source of biochar could improve the chemical properties of Ultisols. Addition 2% [693 g.8kg/lof soil] of biochar young coconut waste can increase pH and decrease Al and H-exch, so that increase available P, organic C and CEC by 1.70 ppm; 0.99% and 9.12 cmol[+].kg-1; compared to 0% of biochar. Application 1.5% [520g.8kg/lof soil] almost the same 2% of biochar young coconut waste to increase total N and exchangeable of the cation [K, Ca, and Mg]. Whereas addition up to 2% of biochar young coconut waste has not shown a significant increase in growth coffee [Coffee arabica L.] plant seed at the age of 3 months [12 after week planting].