Page 46 - Demo

1st Int. Transborder Conf. of the Timor Island: Timor %u2013 Science without borderDili, 7-8 May 202545The Impact of Various Biochar Types on Calcareous Soil Physical Properties, and Growth and Yield of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.)Hilda M. M. G. Muga, Lily F. Ishaq*, Yoke I. Benggu, Anthonius S. J. Adu Tae, Peters O Bako and Moresi M. AirthuAgrotechnology Department, Agriculture Faculty, Nusa Cendana University, Indonesia *Corresponding author: i-ishaq@staf.undana.ac.id AbstractBiochar has gained attention as a soil amendment capable of enhancing soil quality, particularly its physical properties. However, its effectiveness is strongly influenced by the type of feedstock used. This study evaluated the effects of biochar derived from cow dung, chicken manure, and rice husk on selected soil physical properties and on the growth and yield of mung bean (Vigna radiata) cultivated in calcareous soil. A polybag experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with six replications per treatment. Biochar was manually produced and applied at a rate of 150 g per polybag (equivalent to 20 tons ha%u207b%u00b9), thoroughly mixed into 20 kg of soil one week before sowing. Plants were irrigated daily to maintain field capacity. Measured parameters included soil organic carbon, bulk density, porosity, aggregate stability, soil moisture content, plant biomass, and yield. ANOVA, followed by Duncan%u2019s multiple range test, was employed for statistical analysis. Results indicated that all biochar treatments significantly improved soil physical attributes and plant performance compared to the control. Rice husk biochar more effectively enhanced soil structure indicators, whereas cow dung biochar led to superior plant biomass, pod number, yield, and water use efficiency. These findings highlight the importance of feedstock selection in optimizing biochar use and warrant further validation under field conditions.Keywords: biochar, calcareous soil, soil physical properties, mungbean, organic amendments