Effects of Liquid Organic Fertilizer, Biochar and Their Interaction on Growth and Yield of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.)

This study investigates the effects of combined biochar and liquid organic fertilizer treatments on the growth and yield of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.). The experiment was conducted at the Hera Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, UNITAL, Cristo Rei Administrative Post, Dili Municipality, from February to June 2025. Two treatment factors were evaluated: locally produced liquid organic fertilizer (Lof-nachi) and biochar application rates. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed, comprising nine treatment combinations, each replicated three times. The observed variables were classified into three categories: environmental conditions, growth parameters, and yield components. The results revealed a significant interaction between the two treatment factors, particularly affecting the number of pods, dry grain weight, and dry matter content. The highest dry grain yield was obtained from treatment combination H2L2, reaching 0.71 kg per plot, equivalent to 1.78 t ha-¹ (p < 0.001). In contrast, the lowest yield was recorded in the control treatment (H0L0), at 0.27 kg per plot, equivalent to 0.68 t ha-¹. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) further indicated a statistically significant interaction between biochar and liquid organic fertilizer treatments, suggesting that their combined application influenced mung bean productivity. These findings highlight the potential of integrating biochar and liquid organic fertilizer to improve mung bean growth and grain yield under the experimental conditions.