The use of biochar to improve soil properties and growth of paddy in peatland

Abstract

The main constraint in the management of peatlands includes: high soil acidity, very low nutrient availability especially NPK. The study aimed to determine the role of biochar to improve soil properties and paddy growth in peatlands. The study was conducted in Landasan Ulin rural, Gambut district, Banjar regency, South Kalimantan. The study was conducted from June to October 2012. Research was arranged in a randomized block design, with three replications. The treatment given was a combination of the type and dose of ameliorant i.e. the 3 types of ameliorant: F1 (50% purun tikus grass + 50% agricultural weed), F2 (16.7% chicken manure + 83.3% biochar), F3 (9% chicken manure + 91% purun tikus grass), with a dose of 2.5, 5 and 7.5 t ha-1, and control. The results showed that treatment of biochar could increase soil pH, total N, and exchangeable P (Bray I) though it was not significant, and significant in increasing the exchangeable K compared to controls. In the growth of rice plants giving biochar can increase plant height, number of tillers and number of panicles compared to controls.