Use of biochar and NPK fertilizer in soybean cultivation in Alfisol to improve soil physical properties and plant growth

Abstract

The decrease in soil properties due to using artificial fertilizers requires finding a solution, one of which is using biochar. This research aims to assess the effect of the application of rice husk biochar and NPK compound fertilizer on the physical properties of Alfisols and soybean growth. The study was conducted from March to June 2023 on Alfisol of Kwangsan Village, Jumapolo, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 10 treatments and 3 replications. The study showed that combining rice husk biochar and NPK compound fertilizer improved soil physical properties: soil C-Organic levels, field capacity, soil porosity, and soil water retention levels, and reduced soil bulk weight. The treatments also increased soybean growth: plant height, number of leaves and branches. Application of 25% NPK compound fertilizer (75kg ha-1) and 100% rice husk biochar (10 tons ha-1) is suggested to progress soil physical properties and soybean plant development in Alfisols.