Growth and yields of some peanut varieties with application of palm fiber biochar

Abstract

Climate change negatively affects the growth of crops, including groundnuts. Groundnuts are susceptible to short-term weather changes, as well as climate change. Climate change can reduce groundnuts production because it affects soil fertility. Biochar is a kind of soil enhancer that can increase soil fertility. This study aims to determine the appropriate dose of palm fiber biochar for the growth and yield of various varieties of groundnuts. This research was conducted in July - December 2022 at the Experimental Field of the Faculty of Agriculture UNS Jumantono, Karanganyar. The study used a factorial Complete Randomized Block Design consisting of 2 factors, namely the type of peanut variety (Takar 2; Hypoma 1) and the dose of palm fiber biochar (0 t.ha-1; 7.5 t.ha-1; 15 t.ha-1; 22.5 t.ha-1). The variables observed were number of branches, number of flowers, number of pods, number of seeds, seed weight per plant, and harvest index. Data analysis used analysis of variance and was further tested using 5% Duncan’s Multiple Range Test The results showed that the addition of palm fiber biochar at a dose of 7.5 t.ha-1 could increase the number of peanut flowers. Treatment of the Takar 2 variety had a higher number of flowers, number of pods, number of seeds, seed weight, and yield index than Hypoma 1.