Pengaruh Aplikasi Biochar Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit terhadap Produksi dan Sifat Fisika Tanah pada Tanaman Menghasilkan Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq.) di PTPN IV Kebun Torgamba

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effect of application of empty oil palm fruit bunch biochar (TKKS) on production and physical properties of soil in 15-year-old oil palm plants. The study was conducted at PTPN IV Torgamba Plantation, North Sumatra, using a non-factorial randomized block design (RAK) with two treatments (no biochar/B0 and 2 kg of TKKS biochar/B1), each with four replicates. The parameters observed included fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield and soil physical properties (bulk density, porosity, particle density, moisture content, and texture). The results showed that the application of 2 kg of TKKS biochar increased the average FFB weight by 29.98% and the number of producing trees by 43% compared to the control, although these differences were not statistically significant. In terms of soil physical properties, the application of biochar tended to decrease bulk density and particle density and increase soil moisture content, but did not significantly affect soil texture. Overall, the application of TKKS biochar had a positive effect on oil palm productivity and improved soil physical properties, although it did not show a significant effect on all parameters. These findings support the potential of TKKS biochar as a soil amendment in sustainable oil palm plantation systems.