Effects of saprophytic microfungi application on soil fertility based on their decomposition properties

Abstract

The objective of the research was to observe the effects of soil microfungi application on soil fertility. The soil fertility was determined based on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) content and plant (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) growth. Firstly, groups of microfungi weredetermined based on their decomposition properties on Coffea robusta. L leaf litters. The research covered several decomposition propertieswhich were (1) substrate weight loss, (2) cellulase activity and (3) xylanase activity during the process of decomposition on the pure culturedecomposition test. Secondly, the microfungi were grouped based on averages of all properties value paired in all possible ways. The resultshowed that there were 10 groups of fungi (P1 – P10) combined based on their decomposition ability. The groups of fungi (P1 – P10) wereapplied on sterile soils to determine the NPK content and on pots to observe L. esculentum Mill growth (plant height, leaf sizes, fresh and dryweight). The effects indicated majority groups of fungi were able to increase NPK content and growth parameters comparing to that of control.It concludes that the application of soil saprophytic microfungi on soils are possible to perform this process and able to increase soil fertility.