Biochar Bamboo Application on Growth and Yield of Red Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L)

Abstract

This study aims to obtain a proper dose of biochar for the growth and yield of red amaranth plants. This study used a complete randomized design of one factor with 4 replications. The tested treatment was bamboo biochar with 4 dose levels (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 t ha -1 ). The results showed that biochar treatment gave significant effect to fresh weight of economic yield and oven dry weight of economic yield, but not significant to a variable of plant height and number of the leaf. Biochar as a soil enhancer has been able to improve soil physical properties, increase microbial activity, and improve soil fertility. With soil fertility improvements, it will enhance the ability of plants to absorb nutrients and water in the soil, and encourage the vegetative growth of plants and sunlight interception by leaves to produce photosynthesis. The highest fresh weight of amaranth yields was obtained at biochar 9 t ha -1 of 14.53 g which increased by 34.41% when compared with the fresh weight value of the lowest economic yield on biochar without 10.81 g.