Application of rice husk hiochar (oryza sativa sp.) on acidic soil / Fatin Nasuha Mohd Yusoff

This study evaluated the effect of application of rice husk biochar (RHB) on acidic
soil from palm oil plantation in Taman Desa Jaya 2, Jengka. Rice husk from paddy
plant (Oryza Sativa sp.) was collected at Bernas factory in Besut for biochar
manufacturing. RHB was produced by pyrolysis proses at 450°C for two hours in
slightly alkaline (pH 7.76). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) was used to
determine the chemical composition in rice husk biochar. Three different portion of
RHB (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g) were added into 109 of acidic soil and control soil. The
control soil was neutral condition (pH 7.16). The soil pH mixed with RHB was
measured after I week. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry
(ICP-OES) was used to observe the trend of the sodium (Na) and potassium (K)
before and after addition of RHB. The results indicated that application of RHB has
increased the soil pH and nutrient in the soil such as K but not really influence the
amount of Na in acidic soil. It also not significantly affect the pH value of soil in
neutral condition. The highest increment of soil pH was achieved when 1.5 g RHB
added. The study suggests application of RHB on acidic soil has benefit to both soil
pH and plant because acidic soil condition tends to increase the amount of
aluminium in the soil that toxic to the plant.