Growth and yield performance of sweet potato ‘Imelda’ cultivar on different types of coconut-based biochar as soil conditioner
Keywords:
biochar, cocos, Ipomoea batatas, oryza, soilAbstract
The study explored the result of the utilization of biochar derived from coconut husk, young coconut, and coconut pulp on the growth and yield response on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). The study is conducted in Occidental Mindoro, where coconut husk and pulp are often treated as waste. The main objectives are to evaluate how these biochars function as soil conditioners, influencing growth metrics such as vine length, leaf count, and fresh biomass, alongside yield factors including the number, length, diameter, and weight of marketable tuberous roots. The research also assessed changes in soil properties, specifically water-holding capacity and bulk density. Employing a randomized complete block design, the study had five treatments: the control (no application of biochar) and four types of biochar (T1-Coconut husk, T2-Young Coconut, T3-Coconut Pulp, T4-carbonized Rice Hull), with 3 sample plants per plot. Carbonization of the coconut substrates was conducted using a steel drum kiln, adhering to established protocols. Sweet potato cuttings with the cut distance 30cm from the tip were planted using a furrow method, ensuring proper spacing and replanting of missing hills. Results showed comparable effects in growth and yield parameters with biochar applications compared to the control, with young coconut biochar resulting in the highest leaf count (mean = 457) and coconut pulp biochar yielding the best overall performance in yield metrics. While all biochar treatments outperformed the control, no significant differences were observed among the biochars, except in tuber diameter. Additionally, application of coconut-based biochar enhanced soil characteristics through increasing water holding capacity and reducing bulk density. In conclusion, coconut-based biochar is an effective soil amendment for sweet potato cultivation, particularly the use of coconut pulp biochar for optimal yield. As this study highlights the potential of using agricultural waste to enhance crop productivity and improve soil quality in resource-limited settings, further study must be conducted with the focus on the proper amount of its application as well as field trials.
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