Analisis Pengaruh Pemberian Biochar Bonggol Jagung sebagai Campuran Media Tanam terhadap Pertumbuhan Rumput Gajah Mini (Pennisetum Purpureum CV Mott)

Abstract

Biochar is the result of burning organic matter in limited oxygen conditions which is rich in carbon content that can be utilized as a soil improver to increase soil carbon content, water and increase maintenance in the soil, develop soil maturity and rebuild soil quality in drylands. The raw materials for making biochar are quite simple and easy to obtain, especially horticultural waste, especially those that are difficult to decompose with a high C/N proportion, such as corn cobs. This study aims to determine the effect of corn cob biochar on the development of elephant grass plants on a small scale. This research was conducted in Kuta Bangun City, Tiga Binanga District, Karo Regency, North Sumatra. The design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications consisting of P0 = control, P1 = corn cob biochar 5% polybag-1, P2 = corn cob biochar 10% polybag-1, P3 = corn cob biochar 15% polybag-1 and P4 = corn cob biochar 20% polybag-1. The treatments were repeated several times. The parameters observed were plant height, number of tillers, number of leaves, number of tillers, number of new leaves, and total dry matter. The results showed that the utilization of corn cob biochar gave a significant different effect (P<0.05) on the development of the number of elephant grass tillers which were smaller than normal, namely 28.53-68.08 pols/polibag/21 days, the number of leaves 123.95-341.42 strands/polibag/21 days and the formation of new stover 174.33-687.17 g/polibag/21 days. The conclusion of this study is the utilization of corn cob biochar can increase the development of plant height, number of tillers, number of leaves and number of elephant grass tillers with the best treatment is the treatment of corn cob biochar 10% polybag-1.