Coconut Shell Biochar and NPK Fertilizer Improve the Growth and Yield of Zucchini in Peat Soil

This study examined the combined effects of coconut shell biochar and NPK fertilizer on the growth, yield, and quality of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) cultivated in peat soil to achieve the highest productivity. A factorial randomized design was employed; the experiment evaluated three biochar levels (0, 3, and 6 t ha-1) along with four NPK fertilizer doses (0, 200, 400, and 600 kg ha-1). The study found that biochar and NPK led to significant increases in plant height (24.00 cm at 14 DAP) and fruit sugar content (4.17 oBrix). The application of biochar significantly enhanced fruit characteristics, including longer fruits (17.38 cm), earlier flowering (28.67 DAP), greater fruit weight (154.83 g), and higher sugar concentrations (4.17 oBrix). The application of NPK increased plant height by 17.27% at 35 DAP, leaf number by 13.86% at 35 DAP, accelerated flowering (4.73%), and fruiting time (13.93%), and increased sugar content (5.47%).