Corn root characteristic affected by several Compost-enriched Biochar (BioKom) application in Inceptisol

Abstract Inceptisols are relative low-fertility, slightly acidic soils with limited nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content. Biochar is a pyrolyzed organic material with a high surface area and cation exchange capacity (CEC), but low in essential nutrients, which must be supplemented by compost. This study examined the effects of five types of biochar embedded with composted biomass (BioKom) on corn root characteristics. A field pot trial using 20 t ha −1 of young coconut waste, rice husk, cassava peel, sugarcane bagasse, and pulai wood biochars was conducted, with each mixed with 20 t ha −1 of compost. A randomized complete block design (no-factor) and a 5% HSD test were used for variance analysis and replicated three times. Parameters measured were root depth, root weight, shoot weight, shoot-to-root ratio, and shoot root depth. Results showed no differences in all parameters, except specific root depth. While most parameters showed no significant differences, specific root depth was improved by treatments. Pulai wood with the highest fixed carbon content among others showed significant differences in specific root depth therefore showed highest efficiency in root growth and resource acquisition. This study suggests that BioKom can enhance root growth and improve corn yield in nutrient-poor Inceptisols.