The response of growth rate in different husk biochar application of Allium cepa l in sandy soil

Shallot (Allium cepa L) is typically cultivated in Coastal area of Yogyakarta with high input of water and organic fertilizer. This area has sandy soil type with low water holding capacity and low soil fertility. Husk biochar is a potential alternative soil amendment to improve soil quality and may increase crop productivity. The objective of this study is to characterize growth rate of Allium cepa L under different husk biochar application in sandy soil. Experiment was carried out in growth chamber with four different treatments. The treatments were (1) control; (2) Husk Biochar; (3) Husk biochar and compost (0.5:0.5); and (4) Husk biochar and compost (0.65:0.35). Plant growth and irrigation were monitored every day for 30 days experiment. Daily temperature, relative humidity inside and solar radiation growth chamber were around 30 - 34.5°C, 46.7 - 66.7 and 5.3 - 20.7 W/m2 respectively. The results showed that soil amendments treatment in various comparisons affected the growth of shallots (Allium cepa L). Husk biochar and compost treatment (0.5:0.5) significantly increased plant growth. Moreover, husk biochar treatment has better water use efficiency (WUE) than other treatment (0.09 g/mm). © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.