RESPONSE OF TOBACCO PLANT GROWTH AND YIELD TO COMBINATION DOSES OF ZA FERTILIZER AND COCONUT SHELL BIOCHAR

Abstract

Tobacco plants require nitrogen and sulfur elements to enhance their yield and quality. The primary source of N and S elements is typically from ZA fertilizer. The availability of ZA fertilizer is limited; therefore, an alternative material containing N and S as a complementary material is required. A material that can be used as a complementary for ZA fertilizer is coconut shell biochar. This research aims to identify tobacco plants' growth and yield response and determine the best dose combination of ZA fertilizer and coconut shell biochar on the growth and yields of tobacco plants. The method used is experimental by design Randomized Block Design consisting of six treatments and four repetitions: 0 g ZA fertilizer + 375 g coconut shell biochar/plant, 6 g ZA fertilizer + 375 g coconut shell biochar/plant, 12 g ZA fertilizer + 375 g coconut shell biochar/plant, 0 g ZA fertilizer + 563 g coconut shell biochar/plant, 6 g ZA fertilizer + 563 g coconut shell biochar/plant, and 12 g ZA fertilizer + 563 g coconut shell biochar/plant. The research was conducted from April to July 2024 at Kebun Percobaan Ciparanje, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran. The experiment results indicated a significant response in tobacco plant growth and yield to applying ZA fertilizer and coconut shell biochar. The treatment of 12 g ZA fertilizer + 375 g coconut shell biochar/plant had the best results for tobacco plants' growth and yield variables.