Planta Tropika
Vol. 13 No. 2 (2025)

Physiological Responses of Soybean Varieties to Different Types of Biochar Application

Muji Rahayu (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126, Central Java, Indonesia)
Andriyana Setyawati (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126, Central Java, Indonesia)
Gani Cahyo Handoyo (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126, Central Java, Indonesia)
Bramesty Laras Hanif (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126, Central Java, Indonesia)
Fevi Catur Wulan Sari (Directorate General of Plantation, The Ministry of Agriculture, Jakarta Selatan 12550, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2025

Abstract

Soybeans, a legume widely consumed in Indonesia, exhibit a comparatively low production rate. Therefore, initiatives to augment soybean production are essential, one of which is the utilization of biochar. Biochar has been extensively studied as a soil amendment that improves soil fertility and promotes plant growth. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological responses of soybean varieties to different types of biochar. The experiment used a factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The factor was three soybean varieties (Dena 1, Demas 1, and Gepak Kuning) and three biochar treatments (control, palm fibre, and rice hull). Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% significance level. Results indicated that rice hull biochar improved net assimilation and relative growth rates by 1.95% and 1.59%, respectively, between the third and fifth weeks after planting. It also increased total dry weight by 1.37% and leaf area index by 1.72% compared to untreated plants. Among the varieties tested, Dena 1 yielded the highest total dry weight (1.41%) and leaf area index (1.53%), highlighting a promising synergy between this variety and rice hull biochar. These findings demonstrate that biochar type and soybean variety interact to determine physiological responses, suggesting that appropriate combinations may improve soybean productivity and resilience under field conditions.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

pt

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry

Description

PLANTA TROPIKA : Jurnal Agrosains (Journal of Agro Science) provides a forum for researchers on applied agricultural science to publish the original articles. PLANTA TROPIKA published two times a year (February and August) by Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta in collaboration with Indonesian ...