Biochar technology to increase cassava crop productivity: A study of sustainable agriculture on degraded land

Abstract

The aim of this study is to improve soil fertility in cassava, corn, and peanut plants by using biochar technology on degraded land. This research is experimental. This trial used five treatments, No organic amendments, farm yard manure (FYM) 20 Mg ha−1 once, FYM 20 Mg ha−1 yearly, FYM biochar technology 15 Mg ha−1 once, and cassava stem (CS) biochar technology 15 Mg ha−1 once. The design used in this study was a randomized group design (RAK) with three repeats. Before the experiment, the characteristics of treatment material, namely, the manure, biochar, and CS waste biochar were studied. It was observed that cassava, corn, and peanut crops increased nutrient C, water availability, N, P, K, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). From the observations, the treatment of using biochar technology on intercropping cassava and corn can increase C by 25.7 g kg−1, K by 177 cmol, CEC by 17.63 cmol , and water availability by16.87%. Meanwhile, the application treatment of biochar FYM technology on cassava and peanut intercropping can increase C by 24.4 g kg−1, N by 1.3 g kg−1, P by 12.2 g kg−1, K by 1.74 cmol, CEC by 17.93 cmol, and water availability by 17.41%. The use of biochar technology (15 Mg ha)−1 in intercropping cassava with maize or groundnut within 2 years can improve soil fertility and maintain yields. Intercropping cassava with corn or peanuts within 2 years can increase soil fertility and maintain crop yields. Thus, biochar technology has greater potential for the improvement of degraded land in the relatively short term (2 years) and supports sustainable agriculture.