Journal of Tropical Soils (Jan 2019)
Formulation of Biochar Based Soil Amendment for Improvement of Upland Acidic Soil in East Lampung: Soil Properties and Maize (Zea mays) Yield
Abstract
Many of soil amendment formulations (as biochar based) have been tested in Indonesian Soil Research Institute greenhouse experiments to improve its effectiveness in soil, although field experiments are still needed to measure its effectiveness on field scale. The objectives of this research are to study biochar-based soil amendment formulation with different ways of application in improving soil properties and crop yield of upland acidic soil. The research was conducted in Taman Bogo Research Station, East Lampung during three planting seasons, from January 2013 until January 2014. The study was arranged in a split plot design with 3 replications. The main plot was 3 types of soil amendment formulas namely SP50, SP75 and KS50. The subplot was the biochar-based soil amendment application ways (7.5 Mg ha-1 per planting seasons), consisting of gradual application to soil namely three times of 3 planting seasons (2.5-2.5- 2.5 Mg ha-1) and two times of 3 planting seasons (5.0-2.5-0 Mg ha-1), and single application in 3 planting seasons (7.5-0-0 Mg ha-1). The plant indicator used was maize (Zea mays), i.e. Bisma variety. The parameters measured were soil physical and chemical properties, and maize yield. The results showed that during three planting seasons, the three types of soil amendment formulas showed no effect on soil physical properties (Bulk density/BD and available water pores/AWP), soil chemical properties (pH, organic C, K+, Ca2+ and Al3+), and maize yield. Gradual application of biochar in two times (5.0-2.5-0 Mg ha-1) and single time (7.5-0-0 Mg ha-1) resulted in more effects and consistently improved AWP, soil chemical properties, and dry weight of grain during 3 planting seasons compared to the application of 3 times in 3 planting seasons (2.5-2.5- 2.5 Mg ha-1). The yield of maize was 3.11-5.23 Mg ha-1 per season or it was increased on average 291% during three planting seasons. Biochar application at single time (at the beginning of the season at the rate of 7.5-0-0 Mg ha-1) provided positive residual effects on both soil and crop in upland acidic soil of East Lampung.
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