Abstract
Soil composition plays a crucial role in balancing and maintaining our terrestrial ecosystem, which is home to various plants, microorganisms and abiotic components. Some techniques and methods have been applied to restore soil composition and protection from the harsh environment. One of the methods is to use natural soil cover (NSC). NSC may improve fertility and maintain soil integrity by promoting microbial population. Prepared NSC composition were varied, with basic build material of coconut coir (CC) 64% w/w, empty fruit bunch (EFB) 32% w/w and banana fibres for sowing. Additional components were fertilizer and biochar 2% w/w of NSC. Physicochemical and biological characteristics were determined before and during the applications of the NSC. Near-surface microbial population changes were evaluated to assess the interactions with NSC. The pH of soils underneath all NSC showed an increasing trend within 1.27 to 1.96 from the initial pH as well as an increase in the organic matter within 1 to 2% w/w. Increased soil pH has promoted the growth of gram-positive cocci, bacilli and black spores fungal in the soil samples. NSC application has shown to promote the evolution of microbial population in retaining moisture, soil fertility and soil integrity in avoiding erosion.
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