Abstract
This study explores the influence of varying biochar rates and planting distances on the growth and yield of inbred rice. The randomized complete block design (RCBD) implemented a two-factorial design with four biochar rates (none, 25 MT/ha, 20 MT/ha, 15 MT/ha) and three planting distances (20 cm x 20 cm, 20 cm x 25 cm, 20 cm x 30 cm). The 20 MT/ha biochar application (A3) manifested the highest mean outcomes for plant height, productive tillers, panicle length, weight of 1,000 grains, filled grains percentage, and estimated yield. However, the highest mean biomass yield was observed with 25 MT/ha biochar (A2). The 20 cm x 20 cm planting distance (B1) displayed the highest mean panicle length, while B2 (20 cm x 25 cm) produced the highest filled grains percentage and lowest unfilled grains percentage. B3 (20 cm x 30 cm) showed the highest mean values for plant height, productive tillers, biomass yield, estimated yield, and weight of 1,000 grains. The highest yield and return on investment (ROI) were seen in Treatment 6 (25 MT/ha of biochar at a 20 cm x 30 cm planting distance), revealing that increased biochar application results in higher yield at a 20 cm x 30 cm planting distance. The findings suggest that biochar application can augment the growth and yield of inbred rice across diverse planting distances.