Biochar-enriched oil palm compost enhances growth performance of durian Musang King seedlings

Durian ‘Musang King’ (Durio zibethinus D197) cultivation in Malaysia remains heavily reliant on chemical fertilizers, contributing to soil acidification, microbial decline, and nutrient leaching. A 140-day comparative evaluation was conducted of four fertilization regimes: chemical NPK (15:15:15), poultry manure with wood dust, palm oil mill effluent (POME), and biochar-enriched compost. The seedling morphometrics (leaf number, leaf length, stem length, stem diameter, and NDVI) were quantified biweekly, while soil pH, temperature, and leachate COD were monitored to capture nutrient retention dynamics. Biochar-enriched compost (T4) exhibited the most pronounced improvements, surpassing NPK (0.84); soil pH increasing from 4.56 to 5.98 versus 4.72– 5.62 under NPK; and COD peaking at only 153 mg/L compared with 839 mg/L in manure-based compost (P = 0.010). The biochar-enriched compost improved seedling growth while also reducing nutrient loss, with much lower leaching (153 mg/L compared to 839 mg/L). This means it not only improved plant performance but also protected the environment. By combining plant growth measurements, plant health (NDVI), soil conditions, and leachate analysis, this study provides a practical and well-rounded way to evaluate more sustainable fertilization strategies for durian nursery systems.

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