Abstract Raw oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) empty fruit bunch (EFB) and its biochar derivative (EFB BC ) share some properties but differ in ways that influence soil characteristics. Yet, relatively limited research exists on their effects in low‐fertility, structurally poor tropical soils. This study evaluated the impact of EFB applied as organic amendment (EFB OA ) and EFB BC on soil chemical properties such as pH, organic carbon (SOC), electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), specific surface area (SSA), and physical properties comprising soil water retention (SWR), gas transport, and pore characteristics in a tropical sandy clay loam Acrisol. Treatments included EFB OA and EFB BC applied at rates of 20 and 40 t ha −1 , along with a unamended control (0 t ha −1 ). Twenty‐one months post‐application, intact and disturbed soil samples were analyzed. Both amendments, especially at 40 t ha −1 , significantly ( p < 0.05) reduced bulk density and increased pH, SOC, CEC, and SSA compared to the control. SOC was highest under the 40 t ha −1 EFB BC treatment. SWR between matric potentials of −10 and −50 hPa was significantly increased by the EFB BC at 40 t ha −1 . Neither of the amendments significantly affected available water content. At 40 t ha −1 , EFB BC increased air‐filled porosity and relative gas diffusivity by 40%–60% and 67%–200%, respectively; EFB OA increases ranged from 20%–71% and 54%–67% compared to the control. Neither treatment significantly altered soil pore structure complexity. The enhancements in SOC and related soil properties suggest these amendments have the potential to improve water and gas dynamics in weathered tropical soils. Long‐term effects, however, require further investigation beyond 21 months.
Nyasapoh et al. (Thu,) studied this question.