Application of Trichoderma sp. to leaf litter decomposition (Rhizophora mucronata) on various salinity levels in Belawan

Abstract

Mangroves can be defined as forest vegetation that grows between tidal lines or is affected by tides. Trichoderma sp. is one type of fungus that is found in almost all types of soil and in various habitats which is one type of fungus that can be used as biological agents controlling soil pathogens. The purpose of this research is to know the acceleration of the decomposition rate of R. mucronata leaf litter by Trichoderma sp. at various levels of salinity in Belawan and test the carbohydrate and protein content. The research was conducted in December 2019-March 2020. The technique of placing the sample in a litter bag is placed at 3 points of the observation station based on differences in salinity. Decomposition rate values obtained were 10.20 at station I, 8.50 at station II and 7.05 at station III from the initial weight of observation on the days-15 to the observation period on the 90 day. The highest carbohydrate content was at Station I on the days-60 which was 13% and the lowest carbohydrate yield on the station III on the days-15 was 2.42%. The highest percentage of protein is 9.7% on the days-15 at station III and the lowest percentage of protein is 4.83% on the days-15 at station I.