Effect of Biochar and Water Level on Increasing Availability and Water Use Efficiency for Maize in Vertisol from Jeneponto South Sulawesi

This study aims to determine the effect of biochar and water level on improving water retention and water use efficiency of corn crops in vertisol. The soil sample was taken from Jeneponto south Sulawesi. This research used split-plot design. The main plot treatment is a soil amendment consisting of two factors ie without biochar and Biochar,sub plot treatment is a water used level consisting of 4 levels ie 100%, 90%, 80%, and 70% field capacity. Observated parameters include field capacity, permanent wilting point, available water, the crops water consumption, crop matter use efficiency, and water use efficiency. The results showed that biochar was able to increase water retention and water use efficiency at low water used level conditions.