The Effects of Compost Application on Root Hairs, Soil Microorganisms, and Soil Fauna in Oil Palm Plantations

Abstract

Excessive use of fertilizer  damages the soil and changes  its physical, chemical and biological properties. Organic fertilizers and compost, on the other hand, can improve soil fertility. This study investigates the effects of compost application on hair roots, soil microorganisms, and soil fauna in oil palm plantations. The research was conducted descriptively by observing oil palm plantations using compost from Palm Oil Mill (POM) waste. The obtained compost is from research or experiments. The researchers observed soil properties, including root hairs, soil fauna, and soil microorganisms. It was conducted at PT Eastern Sumatra Indonesia, Bukit Maraja Estate, Simalungun Regency. Statistical data were obtained by using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test for observational parameters with a significant effect. The results showed that OPEFB compost significantly increased central, intermediate and tertiary root formation. Likewise, the increase in the population of soil microbes, especially P-solvent microbes. The population of large fauna in the plant environment treated with EFB compost was higher than in the non-compost environment. Of the 225 macrofauna populations, the earthworm (Lumbicina) is the most species of macrofauna.