The Effects of Biochar and Manure on Some Soil Characteristics and Growth of Garlic [Allium Sativum L.] on Ultisols

Abstract

Ultisol is a soil type having high clay content and low OM, therefore it has limited aeration and drainage. Generally, the soil is not conducive for plant growth, especially for tuber crops. Organic matter is known as a soil ameliorant because it can improve soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties. Besides manure having widely used, another OM source is biochar which can stay for a long time in soil. This research was aimed to improve the soil properties of Ultisols and the growth of garlic [Allium sativum] by applying biochar and manure. The research was conducted using a pot trial with 9 treatments and 3 replications, the treatment units were allocated based on a completely randomized design [CRD]. The data have statistically analyzed the variance [F test] and then continued using HSD at a 5% level of significance. The results showed the highest soil moisture level was found on 6:2:2 and the highest level for OC was on 7:2:1 for soil:biochar: manure composition. The biochar and manure could improve soil moisture [by 37%] and organic carbon [by 564%] content of Ultisols compared to the control. However, crop height and leaf number of garlic were not yet affected by the ameliorants on the 6th week after planting.