Influence of Various Types of Biochar Supplemented with Compost (BioKom) on the Status of Soil Nutrients in Inceptisols

Abstract

Application of biochar to soil requires an incubation period to become effective. Applying biochar without supplementary amendments such as compost may not yield the desired outcomes. The synergy between these two amendments; biochar and compost, is crucial for investigation; however, the appropriate incubation time for effective use must be determined. This study aims to status of soil nutrients after a 10-day incubation affected by several combination between biochar and compost in Inceptisol. The research employs a non-factorial randomized block design with three replications. Biochar was produced from young coconut husks, rice husks, cassava peels, sugarcane bagasse, and pulai wood. Compost was applied at 20 t ha-1 for each type of biochar. The biochar production used a Kon-tiki chamber, and all treatments were incubated for 10 days. The observed nutrient status parameters included pH, C-organic, N-total, P-total, P-available, number of microbial populations and their respiration. The results indicated that a 10-day incubation period did not significantly influence the pH and N-total. But other parameters were altered significantly. The combination of biochar and compost enhances soil quality by adding organic matter that stabilizes carbon and phosphorus levels while promoting microbial respiration involved in nutrient cycling. These findings support the role of biochar and compost as sustainable approaches to improving the fertility of Inceptisol, making it more productive in the long term.