Efficacy Of Pelletized Biochar From Various Agri-Waste Materials On Soil Chemical Properties And Growth And Yield Of Honeydew Melon (Cucumis Melo L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect pelletized biochar derived from various agricultural waste materials on the growth and yield of honeydew melon, its sensory characteristics, and on selected chemical properties of soil. Pelletized biochar from 60:40 mixture of poultry manure and corn stalk/ cobs, rice hull/ straw, peanut shell, sugarcane bagasse and coconut husk at 3 tons per hectare was applied as organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer (40-0-0 kg NPK) as control, the experiment was arranged in RCBD with three replications. The study was conducted at Isabela State University, Cauayan Campus, Cauayan City from January 28, 2022, to April 07, 2022. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications.

The applications of pelletized biochar on honeydew melon increased the pH level of the soil after it was amended with different pelletized biochar. It also enhanced the availability of macro and micronutrient in the soil. Application of pelletized biochar enhanced the growth of honeydew melon where the pelletized biochar from poultry manure and peanut shell produced maximum yield of 17 tons/ha. Honeydew melon applied with different pelletized biochar reflected similar sensory characteristics of fruit in terms of color, aroma, taste, and texture. Production of honeydew melon using pelletized biochar from poultry manure and coconut husk reflected the maximum ROI of 83.06 %, hence recommended.