Improving selected chemical properties of peat soils using rubberwood bark biochar / Nurfarahana Md Zin

Peat soil is developed from the accumulation of organic matter due to slow decomposition process resulted from anaerobic condition. As such, it is renowned for its high acidity and often restricted the growth of plant due to low nutrient availability. In the particle board industry, abundance of rubberwood bark is produced. By turning the waste into biochar, this product is suggested to have a potential to improve selected chemical properties in peat soils. This study aims to evaluate the effects of different rate of rubberwood bark biochar on selected chemical properties of peat soils. Results showed that application of rubberwood bark biochar at the rate of 226.80 grams (Treatment 4) significantly improve the availability of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) combined with positive increment of tillers number, root length and height of paddy plant compare to other treatments. This study suggested a positive effect of rubberwood bark biochar as soil amendment in peat soils. However, higher rate of rubberwood bark biochar application (>226.80 grams) may be tested in future study to evaluate the maximum rate and its effects on the soils.