Tugiman, et al (2024) Assessing the efficacy of utilizing biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More derived from oil palm biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More as a planting medium for promoting the growth and development of oil palm seedlings. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcab.2024.103203

In a recent study published in Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, researchers explored the use of biochar derived from oil palm biomass as a planting medium for oil palm seedlings. The team, comprising Erwan Syah Tugiman and colleagues, focused on biochar made from mesocarp fibre (MF) and empty fruit bunch (EFB), two primary biomass residues in Malaysia’s extensive oil palm industry.

The study revealed significant benefits of incorporating biochar into nursery planting media. By carbonizing MF and EFB at temperatures between 580 and 695°C, the researchers produced biochar that, when mixed with soil, greatly enhanced the growth of oil palm seedlings. Eight months after treatment, the BMF-75 (75% biochar from mesocarp fibre) treatment showed the highest improvements: a 64.9% increase in height, a 60.5% increase in the number of leaflets, and a 55.3% increase in girth size compared to the seedlings at three months after treatment.

Additionally, the biochar-amended media facilitated better nutrient uptake, with notable increases in nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and several other essential nutrients. The treated soil also exhibited higher organic carbon content and improved cation exchange capacity, indicating better soil fertility and structure.

The findings advocate for the use of biochar as a sustainable practice in oil palm cultivation, promoting soil enhancement and resource efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research suggests that adopting biochar could be a significant step toward more eco-friendly and productive agricultural practices in the oil palm industry.