<![CDATA[Rainfall-induced landslides on residual soil slopes remain a persistent geohazard in tropical mountainous regions, and conventional chemical stabilizers such as cement and lime raise concerns regarding cost, carbon footprint, and long-term ecological impact. This study investigates the potential of biochar produced from agricultural waste (rice husk and corn cob) as a sustainable soil-stabilizing amendment for slope soils in a landslide-prone area of Padang City, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Biochar was produced through slow pyrolysis at 450 °C and mixed with residual soil at five proportions (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by dry weight). Physical and mechanical properties were evaluated through Atterberg limit tests, standard Proctor compaction, direct shear tests, and falling-head permeability tests. The results indicate that the addition of biochar up to 15% significantly increased cohesion from 18.2 kPa to 34.1 kPa and the internal friction angle from 24.3° to 31.2°, while reducing the plasticity index and the coefficient of permeability. Beyond 15%, mechanical performance declined, indicating an optimum biochar content. These findings suggest that agricultural-waste-derived biochar can serve as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective soil amendment to improve slope stability, offering a dual benefit of agricultural waste management and landslide mitigation.]]>
Copyrights © 2026
