Effects of palm kernel biochar on the physiological responses and root profiles of sendudok (melastoma malabathricum l.) grown on acidic soil

• Main Authors: Rusli, L. S., Osman, Nurmaniza, Abdullah, R., Yaacob, J. S., Seow, A. H.
• Format: Article
• Published: ALOKI Applied Ecological Research and Forensic Institute Ltd., Budapest 2021
• Subjects: GE Environmental Sciences; QH301 Biology
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/27907/
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

Soil acidity is one of the key limitations that hinder plant development, especially on an acidic slope. Soil amendments such as ground magnesium limestone, compost and biochar are often utilized as a technique to restore soil fertility and promote plant growth. However, studies on the effect of biochar amelioration on plants grown on acidic soil are still lacking. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the contribution of biochar, either individually or in co-application with compost and ground magnesium limestone on the physiological responses and root profiles of Melastoma malabathricum grown on acidic soil. Results showed that the physiological attributes such as stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and relative chlorophyll content were observed to be highest in biochar which was 50.00%, 79.45% and 22.94% respectively. Application of biochar also resulted in the highest root length and root length density. Surprisingly, higher leaf development was found in the co-application of biochar and compost which enhanced the shoot growth. A strong positive correlation was observed between transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. In conclusion, based on the highest number of promising physiological and root profile parameters, we propose the application of biochar alone, to improve the physiological attributes and root establishment of M. malabathricum, in addition to alleviating the negative effects of soil acidification.