Biochar's Potential From Several Raw Materials And Its Effect On Soybean Growth In Overcoming The Acidity In Ultisol Soils

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Biochar's Potential from Several Raw Materials and its Effect on Soybean Growth in Overcoming the Acidity in Ultisol Soils

Introduction

Soil acidity is a significant problem in agriculture, particularly in ultisol soils, which are characterized by their low pH levels and high aluminum (Al) content. Conventional methods of overcoming soil acidity, such as the application of lime, can be effective but may also damage the physical properties of the soil. In recent years, biochar has emerged as a potential solution to this problem. Biochar is a type of charcoal that is produced by heating organic materials in the absence of oxygen, resulting in a highly porous and stable material that can improve soil fertility and structure.

This study aims to investigate the potential of biochar produced from various raw materials, including empty palm oil bunches, oil palm stems, and cow bones, in overcoming ultisol soil acidity. The study also examines the effect of biochar on soybean growth and compares its effectiveness with lime application.

Research Methodology

The study used a non-factorial random group design (shelf) with a control and a dose of CaCO3 lime of 1.5 times the al-DD. Two biochar doses, namely 10 tons/ha and 20 tons/ha, were applied to the three raw materials, with repetition four times. Soybeans were used as indicator plants to assess the effect of biochar on plant growth.

The parameters measured in this study included pH H2O, KCL pH, Al-DD levels, Cation Exchange Capacity (KTK), C-organic content, plant height, number of branches, and wet and dry weight of the canopy and roots.

Results

The results of this study showed that lime applications were successful in increasing the pH of H2O to 6.87 and the KCL pH to 6.83, as well as reducing the level of Al-DD soil to 0.19 cmol (+)/kg. However, both the application of lime and biochar did not show a significant impact on the growth of soybean plants.

On the other hand, biochar made from cow bone raw materials proved effective in increasing soil C-organic levels, which increased from 0.37% to 0.49%, as well as soil CECs that increased from 7.52 cmol (+)/kg to 9.46 cmol (+)/kg. However, biochar made from oil palm empty bunches was superior to lime, biochar from oil palm stems, and biochar from cow bones in increasing the growth of soybean plants.

Analysis and Implications

The results of this study indicate that although lime can directly increase soil pH and reduce Al-DD levels, the use of biochar has an equally important potential in improving soil quality, especially in terms of increasing C-organic content and cation exchange capacity. By improving soil quality, biochar not only provides solutions to acidity problems but also contributes to increasing soil fertility in the long run.

The use of biochar originating from oil palm empty bunches has an advantage in increasing the growth of soybean plants, which shows that the use of local resources can be a profitable and sustainable strategy in agriculture. With proper management, biochar can be a more environmentally friendly alternative compared to lime, which, though effective, has a risk to damage the structure of the soil.

Conclusion

In the context of sustainable agriculture, this research emphasizes the importance of exploration of various raw materials for biochar production and the application of technology that can overcome the problem of soil acidity. With the potential biochar shown, as well as its impact on soybean growth, it can be concluded that biochar is a promising alternative to increase ultisol soil fertility without damaging its physical properties. Further research is expected to explore more raw materials and optimal doses that can provide maximum benefits for agriculture.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Further research on biochar production: More research is needed to explore the potential of various raw materials for biochar production and to optimize the production process.
  2. Optimization of biochar doses: The optimal doses of biochar for different crops and soil types need to be determined to maximize its benefits.
  3. Use of local resources: The use of local resources, such as oil palm empty bunches, can be a profitable and sustainable strategy in agriculture.
  4. Proper management of biochar: Proper management of biochar, including its application and storage, is essential to maximize its benefits and minimize its risks.

Future Directions

This study has provided valuable insights into the potential of biochar in overcoming ultisol soil acidity and improving soil fertility. However, there are still many areas that need to be explored, including:

  1. Long-term effects of biochar: The long-term effects of biochar on soil fertility and crop growth need to be investigated.
  2. Biochar and other crops: The effect of biochar on other crops, such as maize and wheat, needs to be investigated.
  3. Biochar and soil microorganisms: The effect of biochar on soil microorganisms and their role in soil fertility needs to be investigated.

By addressing these research gaps, we can further develop the potential of biochar as a sustainable solution to soil acidity and improve soil fertility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Biochar and Its Effect on Soybean Growth in Overcoming Ultisol Soil Acidity

Q: What is biochar and how is it produced?

A: Biochar is a type of charcoal that is produced by heating organic materials in the absence of oxygen, resulting in a highly porous and stable material that can improve soil fertility and structure. Biochar can be produced from various raw materials, including wood, agricultural waste, and animal bones.

Q: What are the benefits of using biochar in agriculture?

A: Biochar has several benefits in agriculture, including:

  • Improving soil fertility and structure
  • Increasing soil's water-holding capacity
  • Reducing soil acidity and aluminum toxicity
  • Increasing crop yields and plant growth
  • Improving soil's ability to retain nutrients

Q: How does biochar affect soybean growth?

A: Biochar has been shown to improve soybean growth by increasing soil's water-holding capacity, reducing soil acidity, and increasing soil's nutrient retention. In this study, biochar made from oil palm empty bunches was found to be superior to lime, biochar from oil palm stems, and biochar from cow bones in increasing the growth of soybean plants.

Q: What are the advantages of using biochar compared to lime?

A: Biochar has several advantages over lime, including:

  • It is a more environmentally friendly alternative to lime
  • It can improve soil's structure and fertility without damaging it
  • It can reduce soil acidity and aluminum toxicity without increasing soil's pH
  • It can increase crop yields and plant growth without increasing soil's nutrient requirements

Q: What are the potential risks of using biochar?

A: While biochar has several benefits, there are also potential risks associated with its use, including:

  • Biochar can be expensive to produce and apply
  • Biochar can be difficult to mix with other soil amendments
  • Biochar can affect soil's microbial community and nutrient cycling
  • Biochar can be a fire hazard if not handled properly

Q: How can biochar be applied in agriculture?

A: Biochar can be applied in agriculture through various methods, including:

  • Mixing biochar with other soil amendments
  • Applying biochar as a top dressing
  • Incorporating biochar into the soil
  • Using biochar as a seed treatment

Q: What are the future directions for biochar research?

A: Future research on biochar should focus on:

  • Optimizing biochar production and application methods
  • Investigating the long-term effects of biochar on soil fertility and crop growth
  • Exploring the potential of biochar in other crops and soil types
  • Investigating the effects of biochar on soil microorganisms and nutrient cycling

Q: How can farmers and agricultural practitioners benefit from biochar research?

A: Farmers and agricultural practitioners can benefit from biochar research by:

  • Improving their understanding of biochar's benefits and risks
  • Learning how to produce and apply biochar effectively
  • Accessing biochar-based technologies and products
  • Participating in biochar-related research and development activities

Q: What are the policy implications of biochar research?

A: Biochar research has several policy implications, including:

  • Developing policies and regulations to support the production and use of biochar
  • Providing incentives for farmers and agricultural practitioners to adopt biochar-based technologies
  • Investing in biochar-related research and development activities
  • Promoting the use of biochar as a sustainable solution to soil acidity and fertility problems.