BIODIVERSITAS ISSN: 1412-033X (printed edition)

Volume 10, Number 3, July 2009 ISSN: 2085-4722 (electronic)

Pages: 129-133 DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d100305

The Effect of Mulching Technology to Enhance the Diversity of

Soil Macroinvertebrates in Sengon-based Agroforestry Systems
1,2,3,♥
SUGIYARTO
1
Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sebelas Maret University (UNS), Surakarta 57126
2
Bioscience Program, Post-Graduate Program, Sebelas Maret University (UNS), Surakarta 57126
3
Research and Development Center for Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Sebelas Maret University (UNS), Surakarta 57126

Received: 28th January 2009. Accepted: 11th March 2009.

ABSTRACT

Soil macroinvertebrate are strongly influenced by environmental factors. The change of agronomic technology may affect
their role in maintaining soil fertility and crop production. The aim of this study was to know the effect of technology of
mulching to enhance diversity of soil macroinvertebrate in sengon-based agroforestry system. Field experiment was
arranged in randomized block design with treatment i.e. with and without organic matter mulching. Sweet potato used as
tested intercrop. Collection of soil macroinvertebrate was carried out using a hand sorting and pit-fall trap methods. Result
of the study showed that application of maize residue as mulch enhanced diversity index of surface and deep soil
macroinvertebrate, i.e: 0.215 and 0.214 (by 44% and 73% respectively compared no mulching). Organic mulching
technology can support diversity of beneficial soil macroinvertebrates.
© 2009 Biodiversitas, Journal of Biological Diversity

Key words: agroforestry, soil macroinvertebrates, sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria), mulching.

INTRODUCTION biocontrol processes and play role as decomposer as

well as soil engineer to encourage crop production
Land degradation is an important part of global (Lavelle et al., 1994; Hagvar, 1998).
crisis. Rising population pressure and urbanization, Soil macroinvertebrates belong to soil macrofauna
combined with land degradation, soil salinization, and with have no vertebrates. The macrofauna consists of
global warming have been causing food insufficiency. animals with body longer than 4 mm or wider than
Controlling the land degradation and their 2 mm, which are visible to the naked eye (Gorny dan
rehabilitation programes may enhance land Leszek, 1993). In total, more than 20 taxonomic
productivity and contribute to human needs groups are involved including arthropods, mollusks
(Edgerton, 2009; Kumar, 2008). Soil biodiversity and earthworms. The Coleopteran or beetles tend to
conservation is an important part of agricultural dan the most diverse (Brown et al., 2001). They can be
silvicultural management to maintain their production. further divided into three groups, which play different
There are intercorrelation between soil biodiversity, roles in the ecosystem: the epigeics, anecics and
especially soil macroinvertebrates with crop endogeics (Lavelle et al., 1994). The epigeics live and
production (Sugiyarto, 2004). Soil macro- feed on surface litter including saprophagous
invertebrates influence soil processes, which may arthropods and pigmented small earthworms, as well
affect both the physical and chemical fertility of soils as predators of this group (chilopods, ants and some
(Lavelle and Pashanasi, 1989). Soil macro- coleopteran). Anecics on the other hand feed on
invertebrates contribute to the maintenance and surface litter but build subterranean burrows and
productivity of agrosystems. Okwakol (1994) nests that provide shelter. They consist of some large
observed a declining trend in fauna biomass and soil pigmented earthworms and the majority of termite
chemical properties, indicating that soil macrofauna species. The endogeics live in the soil and consist
had a direct effect on soil properties. Soil mainly of termites and unpigmented earthworms.
macroinvertebrates maintain soil physical, chemical Based on their behavior and sampling technical, soil
and biological fertility by immobilization, humification, macroinvertebrates are differed to below-ground or
deep soil macroinvertebrates and above ground or
surface soil macroinvertebrates (Adianto, 1993;
 Corresponding address:
Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A Surakarta 57126
Sugiyarto, 2004).
Tel. & Fax.: +62-271-663375 In organic matter decomposition processes, soil
e-mail: [email protected] macroinvertebrates contribute to fragmentation/
130 B I O D I V E R S I T A S Vol. 10, No. 3, July 2009, pp. 129-133

comminution and facilitate to bacteria and fungi in residue. Agroforestry, or woody perennial-based
mineralization processes (Lavelle et al., 1994). Soil mixed species production systems, has the potential
macroinvertebrates also play role in nutrient to arrest land degradation and improve site
transportation or distribution, enhancing properties of productivity through interactions among trees, soil,
soil structure and soil forming. So they are important crops, and livestock, and thus restore part, if not all,
to maintain soil fertility and soil healthy (Adianto, of the degraded lands. Food production either directly
1993; Foth, 1994; Brown et al., 2001). Soil (producing food grains, root crops, fruits, and
macroinvertebrates diversity show intercorrelation vegetables) or indirectly (improving soil conditions
with ecosystem function, but there little information and thereby promoting understorey crop productivity
and no profound interest to their conservation (Lavelle especially on degraded sites) constitutes the central
et al., 1994; Hagvar, 1998). theme of most smallholder agroforestry practices
Soil communities, especially soil macroinverte- (Kumar, 2008). There are many intercrop species
brates, are strongly influenced by environmental producing crops residue in sengon (Paraserianthes
factors, and any change in land use may change their falcataria)-based agroforestry system at Jatirejo forest
communities (Wallwork, 1970). From the moment a resort, district of Kediri, East Java. Maize (Zea mays
natural system is modified by human activities for L.) is the most dominant intercrop potentially as
agricultural purposes, major changes occurred the source of crops residue (Sugiyarto et al., 2007).
soil environment and to the flora and fauna The aim of this research is to study the affectivity
populations and community present (Brown et al., of mulching technology in enhancing soil
2001). Simple correlation analysis indicates that soil macroinvertebrates diversity at the sengon-based
macrofauna diversity was closely related with soil agroforestry system. The source of mulch is maize
organic content, soil humidity, domination of ground crop residue. Tested intercrop/ understorey species is
vegetation and level of light penetration (Sugiyarto, sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas).
2000). Surface soil macrofauna diversity at forest
habitat, especially at pine stands, were higher level
than at cultivated plants habitat (Sugiyarto et al., MATERIAL AND METHODS
2002). Schefflera aromatica showed best influence to
increase soil mesofauna diversity, compared with The research was carried out in sengon plantation
other forest stand at Jobolarangan forest area at Jatirejo forest resort, district of Kediri, East Java.
(Sugiyarto et al., 2001). Land-use changes from The field experiment was arranged in randomized
mixed forest to sengon plantation in monoculture and complete block design with treatment i.e: with and
agroforestry system degrade diversity of without organic matter mulching in four replicates. Dry
macroinvertebrates. The soil macroinvertebrate in maize crop residue was used as mulch with doses be
sengon plantation (non-agroforestry) system and in equally 15 mg/ha. Soil was plowed and made pile in
sengon-based agroforestry system, i.e: 0.16 and 0.09 the same direction with sengon plantation line. The
2
(decreased 47% and 70%, respectively, compared experiment block area was (3 x 5) m . Distance of
with mix forest (Sugiyarto, 2004). these block area were 100 cm. Sweet potato used as
The effects of clearing, however, and of change in test intercrop arranged in population be equally
land use, on soil macroinvertebrates have not been 67.134 plant/ha.
widely quantified (Lal, 1987). The tropical rain forests, Collection of soil macroinvertebrate was carried
for instance, are known for their richness. Soil out using a hand sorting method for deep soil
invertebrates diversity and abundance are strongly macroinvertebrates and pit-fall trap method for
th th th th
depend on environmental factors, especially quality surface soil macroinvertebrates in 4 , 8 , 12 , 16 ,
th
and quantity of organic matter as food source and and 20 weeks after planted. Samples which be
maintaining physic-chemical environment stability collected was quantified and identified in laboratory of
(Maftu’ah et al., 2002; Sari et al., 2003). The Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural
combination of the various practice adopted by Sciences, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta,
farmers at a particular site are important in Central Java referred to Burges and Raw (1967),
determining the soil fauna community and provide an Wallwork (1970), Borror et al., (1992), Gorny and
important entry point and opportunity for managing Leszek (1993), and (Suin, 1997).
their populations, enhancing their beneficial activities Soil macroinvertebrates diversity value found
and reducing their negative effects on soil fertility and expression in modified Simpson diversity index
agricultural production (Brown et al., 2001). Organic (Sugiyarto, 2004) with equation:
matters management system is the key-factor in soil
2
macroinvertebrates conservation. D = (1-Σ (pi) (qi);
Mulching is one of agronomical technology to
ensure organic matter supply. To support organic D: diversity index
matter supply in mulching technology, there is pi: sum of individual in one species/sum of
important to develop intercropping system, especially individual in total species
agroforestry system, with produce more crops qi: sum of species in one observation unit / sum of
species in all observation unit
 SUGIYARTO – Diversity of soil macroinvertebrates in sengon stand 131

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION soil macroinvertebrates existence. This phenomenon

explained that soil macroinvertebrates need above-
Soil is a living entity, comprising an inseparable ground vegetation and mulch as source of food and to
mixture of solid, liquid and gaseous phases, and protect from environmental disruption, i.e: predator,
diverse fauna and flora, the below ground high light intensity, high temperature, force of rainfall
biodiversity. It is capable of supporting biological and running off, etc. Brown et al. (2001) mentioned
growth, and is in equilibrium with its environment. Soil that common agricultural practices giving positive
macroinvertebrates is little part of below ground effect on the soil biota, i.e. organic matter (mulch,
biodiversity but take important role in soil function, manure, etc.), less physical disturbance (tillage),
especially in organic matter decomposition processes green manure, soil covers, crop rotations, liming,
and fixed up soil physical properties. Their existence fertilization and organic agriculture. Sugiyarto et al.
showed different response to their environment, but (2007) showed that most of soil macroinvertebrates
their population tend to increase by rising of organic tend to avid risk of open space or high light intensity.
matter available (Crossley et al., 1992). High soil Faunal populations often decline when natural
macroinvertebrate diversity and quantity were showed habitats are cleared (Watanabe et al., 1983). Work in
in complex/mixture of different organic matter or low the Mabira Forest Reserve in Uganda showed that
quality (high C/N ratio) of organic matter. Sugiyarto et forest clearance and cultivation have deleterious
al. (2007) stated that maize, sengon and elephant effects on soil macrofauna communities (Okwakol,
grass residue affected higher population of soil 1994, 2000). In a few instances, however, faunal
macroinvertebrates than sweet potato and papaya densities and diversity increase following clearing of
residue application. forest or woodland. Okwakol (1994) reported soil
−2
Result of this research showed that age of sweet macrofaunal density of 1247 m in cleared and
−2
potato as intercrop in sengon-based agroforestry uncultivated site compared with 863 m in the natural
system affected soil macroinvertebrates diversity forest. Most of the gain was attributed to a dramatic
(Figure 1). Increasing of sweet potato age is followed increase in the density of termites as well as increase
by enhancing of soil macroinvertebrates diversity in the density of predatory surface-active fauna such
index, especially on mulching application. Diversity as spiders, ants and centipedes. This trend was partly
index of surface soil macroinvertebrates increase attributed to the abundant food supply for wood and
from 0.092 on fourth week after planted to 0.228 on litter feeding species. Collins (1980) has showed that
twentieth week after planted (enhancing 148% type of vegetation has often been shown to be a
respectively). In the same case diversity index of major determining factor of soil fauna abundance. As
deep soil macroinvertebrates increase from 0.107 on land conversion occurs, the above-ground biodiversity
fourth week after planted to 0.210 on twentieth week is reduced. This impacts the associated soil
after planted (enhancing 96% respectively). At without macrofauna thus lowering the biological capacity of
mulch application treatment showed that after twelfth the ecosystem for self regulation. Zake et al. (1994)
week after planted both surface and deep soil noted that banana plantations also supported
−2
macroinvertebrates diversity index tended to stable or estimated weight biomass of 4.55 g m and
decreased. macrofauna biomass formed a relatively similar trend
Covering level of intercrop at different age and to that of organic matter and banana yield.
mulching may be act as the major factor supported

without mulching mulching without mulching mulching

Diversity index
Diversity index

Age (weeks after planting) Age (weeks after planting)

A B

Figure 1. Surface (A) and deep (B) soil macroinvertebrate diversity index in sengon-based agroforestry system with and
without mulching application.
132 B I O D I V E R S I T A S Vol. 10, No. 3, July 2009, pp. 129-133

This research showed that surface soil macro- Table 1. Soil macroinvertebrates diversity index in sengon-
invertebrates more responsive to the environment based agroforestry system with and without mulching
alteration than deep soil macroinvertebrates one. application treatments.
Differ with surface macroinvertebrates, beside be
Treatment Soil macro- Dominate soil
protected by above-ground material, deep soil
invertebrates macroinvertebrates
macroinvertebrates also protected by soil itself. More, diversity index
the surface soil macroinvertebrates, especially most Without mulch 0.149 (Surface) Odontomachus sp.
of insects, chilopods and arachnids, can migrate to 0.124 (Deep) Pontoscolex corethrurus
another habitat to escape or avoid some disruption. In With mulch 0.215 (Surface) Lobopelta ocellifera
a survey of termites in natural forest, a cleared but not 0.214 (Deep) Pontoscolex corethrurus
cultivated site and six sites cultivated for over different
periods distinct differences between systems were
observed. Twenty-four species, including By mulching technology, diversity index of deep
Odontotermes amanicus (Sjostedt) and Microtermes soil macroinvertebrates enhanced more dramatically
luteus (Harris), both not previously identified in than surface soil macroinvertebrates (Table 1). These
Uganda, were recorded in natural forest (Okwakol, indicated that mulch give long-term beneficial to
2000). Forest clearance resulted in drastic reduction amelioration of soil environment by food-web
in the number of species to about 40% of what regulation. Like the previous discussion that deep soil
existed in natural forest while cultivation led to further macroinvertebrates are more stable community than
reduction to <20%. Clearance of forests has both surface soil macroinvertebrate. Beside creating a
direct and indirect effects on termites as disturbance suitable physic-chemical environment, mulching
removes vegetation, destroys nest sites, alters the increased surface soil macroinvertebrate potentially
soil environment and food sources and leads to as food source for various deep soil predators. So
exposure to predators and parasites (Black and directly, the increasing of surface soil
Okwakol, 1997). Scientists have begun to quantify the macroinvertebrates population and diversity enhance
causal relationships between (i) the composition, diversity of deep soil macroinvertebrate. Sugiyarto
diversity and abundance of soil organisms, (ii) (2004) concluded that there was positive
sustained soil fertility and associated crop production, intercorrelation between surface-and deep soil
and (iii) environmental effects, including soil erosion, macroinvertebrate diversity index.
greenhouse gas emissions and soil carbon Earthworm (Pontoscolex corethrurus) as a soil
sequestration (Lavelle et al., 1997). fertility indicator dominated to deep soil
This research result showed that mulching macroinvertebrate community, both with and without
technology with maize residue enhanced both mulching application. This species is a decomposer
surface-and deep soil macroinvertebrates diversity as well as soil engineer. On other hand, there was a
index in sengon-based agroforestry system (Table 1). difference dominancy of surface soil
By mulching application surface soil macroinvertebrate in mulch treatment (Lobopelta
macroinvertebrate diversity index enhanced from ocellifera) and no mulch treatment (Odontomachus
0.149 to 0.215 (increase 44% respectively), and deep sp.) (Table 1). Odontomachus sp. is a phytophage
soil macroinvertebrate diversity index enhance from species potentially as pest, but L. ocellifera is a
0.124 to 0.214 (increase 73% respectively). This predator species potentially as biocontrol agent.
results reflected multifunction of mulch. It enhance These gave evidence that mulching can support to
soil macroinvertebrates directly, and also supported the diverse of beneficial soil macroinvertebrates.
more expansive sweet potato growth giving good Brown et al. (2001) mentioned two main types of
protection and source of food for soil classification of soil macrofauna according their
macroinvertebrates. This showed the important role of function in the soil and crop system, i.e: beneficial
mulch to support existence of most species of soil group (sapro-, copro-, and necrophages as
macroinvertebrates like the previous researcher decomposers or mineralizer; geophages as
finding (Maftu’ah et al., 2002; Sari et al., 2003). Maize bioturbators and predators as biocontrol agents) and
residue is a low quality organic matter that adverse group (phytophages as parasites or pests).
decomposed slowly. Their supplies as mulch give Availability of crop residues as mulch, in other hand,
longtime protective function for soil may be able to be alternative food source for some
macroinvertebrates. On the contrary, sweet potato phytophages so it can reduce the intensity of pest
and sengon’s residue on this system supplied a lot of herbivory activity.
food for soil macroinvertebrates and nutrient to
ensure the vegetation growth. All of this service
factors created suitable environment for soil CONCLUSIONS
macroinvertebrates (Sugiyarto et al., 2007).
Enhancing soil macroinvertebrate diversity on
sengon-based agroforestry system can be optimized
by returning of intercrop residue in mulching
 SUGIYARTO – Diversity of soil macroinvertebrates in sengon stand 133

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