PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

This study assessed the potential application of biochar as a renewable nutrient source to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity in small-scale farming systems in Narathiwat Province, Thailand. A field experiment using five treatments—control (no amendment), rice husk biochar, rubber wood biochar, oil palm bunch biochar, and raw organic residues—was conducted on baby corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata) grown in sandy soil. Oil palm bunch biochar significantly improved plant height, biomass, and yield compared to the other treatments, while also increasing soil organic matter and nutrient availability. A complementary survey of 30 local farmers revealed that 30% had already adopted biochar, and 43.33% expressed interest in its future use. Among the interested group, 73% believed adoption could increase if simpler application methods and more accessible equipment were developed. These findings demonstrate the promise of oil palm bunch biochar as an effective and sustainable soil amendment, particularly for improving sandy soil conditions in smallholder farming systems.