PENINGKATAN PERFORMA AGRONOMIS JAGUNG MANIS MELALUI AMENDEMEN ORGANIK BIOCHAR DAN TANDAN KOSONG KELAPA SAWIT

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of biochar derived from rice husk and empty fruit bunch (EFB) compost as soil amendments to improve soil fertility and enhance the growth and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.). The research was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Medan Area, using a factorial randomized block design (RBD) consisting of two factors: four levels of biochar (0–2.25 kg/plot) and four levels of EFB compost (0–1.125 kg/plot), with two replications. Soil and organic material characteristics were analyzed prior to application. Biochar showed low nutrient contents but had a neutral pH (6.8), whereas EFB compost contained higher nitrogen (2.4%) and phosphorus (0.27%). Soil analysis indicated acidic conditions (pH 4.5) with low nitrogen availability (0.19%). Results showed that the application of biochar, EFB compost, and their combination had no significant effect on plant height and number of leaves during the vegetative phase (2–7 WAP), possibly due to low soil nitrogen and limited early nutrient availability. However, descriptive analysis highlighted the potential synergistic role of biochar in improving soil pH and structure, while EFB compost contributed to increased nutrient supply. The integration of biochar and EFB compost demonstrates potential as an environmentally friendly strategy to support sustainable sweet corn production on acidic, nutrient-poor soils. Further analysis on yield components is expected to determine the optimum dosage for agronomic performance.