Effect of Co-application of Vetiver Grass Biochar and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Seedlings and Soil Chemical Properties

• Published in: Malaysian Journal of Soil Science
• Main Author: Aleiadeh H.; Idris J.; Mohidin H.; Omar L.; Man S.; Munir S.; Jong V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malaysian Society of Soil Science 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85193743814&partnerID=40&md5=8bd9e1516e01a3f20fa8c36693c851e7

Sufficient supply of nutrients is essential for optimum oil palm seedlings growth especially at poor fertile soils Improving nutrient use efficiency is very important to reduce the reliance on excessive use of chemical fertilizers and overcome the harmful impacts to the environment. The objective of this study was to determine the soil chemical properties and oil palm seedlings growth following the application of vetiver grass biochar (VGB) in combination with NPK fertilizer. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse located at the Farm Unit, UiTM Sarawak Branch, from June 2022 until July 2023. Oil palm seedlings were planted in polybags filled with top soil and arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 5 treatments and 5 replicates, each replicate consists of 8 plants, making a total of 200 experimental units. Treatments evaluated were: T0) absolute control; T1) 100% NPK; T2) 100% VGB; T3) 50% VGB + 50% NPK; and T4) 75% VGB + 25% NPK. Soil samples were collected before and after the treatments applied. Plant growth and soil analyses were carried out using standard plant and soil laboratory procedure. Plant growth and soil statistical data were analyzed using ANOVA at p < 0.05 followed by DMRT using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, version 9.3). Soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and soil organic carbon increased significantly (p < 0.05) in treatments with T2, T3, and T4, while the highest value was observed in T2. Soil available N, available P, and available K were higher in the treatments with T1, T3, and T4, while the highest value was recorded in T4. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) for plant growth indicate significant difference at p < 0.05. Among all treatments, the highest value of plant height, bole diameter, leaf number, chlorophyll content, and plant dry biomass was recorded in T4 (75% VGB + 25% NPK), suggested that the treatment is able to improve the growth performance of oil palm seedlings and enhanced soil chemical properties, hence, allowing reduction of fertilizer application rate in oil palm cultivation. © 2024, Malaysian Society of Soil Science. All rights reserved.