Effect of Biochar on Red Chili Growth and Production in Heavy Acid Soil

Abstract

The addition of biochar to soil has been suggested as an environmentally friendly method to enhance soil properties and carbon sequestration and plant production; however, the effects of biochar on root growth and crop production in heavy acid soil is not fully understood. This study evaluated the effects of corn cob biochar on the growth and production of red chili (Capsicum annuum L.) in heavy acid soil in Thailand. The soil properties, aboveground and belowground biomasses, fruit dry weight, and fine root length growth and senescence were compared between two biochar conditions, B1 (6.25 t ha-1) and B2 (12.5 t ha-1), and a heavy acid soil control (CF).