The addition of fungal biofertilizers as supporting the growth of rice plants (Oryza sativa) in saline soil

Abstract

Subowo YB. 2015. The addition of fungal biofertilizers as supporting the growth of rice plants (Oryza sativa) in saline soil. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 1 (1): 150-154. Some soil fungi such as Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp., Trichoderma viride are able to grow on saline soils. These fungi are also able to degrade lignocellulosic compounds, to dissolve phosphate compounds and to produce IAA hormones. Furthermore, the fungi that are mixed with compost, 10% NPK and 10% guano can be used for fertilizing rice fields. The aim of this research is to obtain data on the ability of the fungi-based bio-fertilizer in supporting the growth of rice plants on saline soils. The study was conducted in Cibinong Science Centre. Rice plants were grown in pots containing soil and compost. Soil salinity levels were set at 0%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%, by adding salt to the growing media in the pot. Fertilizer treatment was including: without fertilizer, compost, NPK, and fungi-based bio-fertilizers. The results showed that the Ciherang rice plants were only able to grow at 0.3% and 0.5% of soil salinity. The addition of the bio-fertilizer increased the growth of rice plants on saline soils. At 0.5% of soil salinity, the addition of the bio-fertilizer increased the plant height by up to 67%, the number of tillers by 91%, the biomass dry weight by 186 % and the root dry weight by 188%.