Physical and Chemical Characterization of Various Formulations of Biochar and Fly Ash-Enriched Composts for Tropical Acid Soil Ameliorant
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Abstract
Large quantities of organic residues generated from pineapple production remain underutilized. Composting is a common strategy for recycling these materials, while biochar and fly ash (FA), a coal-combustion byproduct, may enhance compost quality. This study evaluated temperature dynamics, moisture content, pH, total N, C/N ratio, and macronutrient contents of biochar–FA-enriched compost. The experiment used a single-factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven formulations and four replicates. Treatments A, B, and C consisted of 75% compost raw materials enriched at the beginning of composting with biochar and FA at proportions of 20:5, 12.5:12.5, and 5:20%, respectively. Treatment D consisted of 100% compost raw materials without enrichment. Treatments E, F, and G used the same proportions as A, B, and C, respectively, but incorporated biochar and FA into mature compost. Treatment C showed the most balanced characteristics, with a pH of 7.20, a C/N ratio of 20.60, total N of 2.06%, and P content of 4,387 mg kg-¹. In contrast, treatment G recorded the highest numerical Ca content of 16,288 mg kg-¹. Overall, early enrichment with 5% biochar and 20% FA produced compost with a suitable pH and C/N ratio and relatively high nutrient contents. This formulation, therefore, has potential as an ameliorant for tropical acid soils, although its agronomic effectiveness requires further soil incubation and field evaluation.
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