Identifikasi Fungi dan Laju Dekomposisi Serasah Daun Rhizophora mucronata pada Ekosistem Mangrove di Pulau Sembilan Kecamatan Pangkalan Susu Kabupaten Langkat

Abstract

Mangrove leaves that fall to the ground have an important role in moving organic material from plants into the soil. The fallen litter will be decomposed by microorganisms into detritus. The type of microorganism that plays a role in the decomposition process of R. mucronata leaf litter is fungus. Fungi have a significant role in the litter decomposition process because they produce enzymes that are able to break down cellulose and lignin, which are the main components of leaf and stem cell walls. Fungi also have the ability to adapt and tolerate high salt levels, so they can grow in this habitat. extreme areas such as tidal areas. Fungi have the ability as decomposers, to produce enzymes that can break down organic materials such as proteins, carbohydrates and the like found in litter. This research aims to analyze the rate of decomposition of R. mucronata leaves, carbohydrate and protein levels, and the types of fungi present in the leaf litter. Testing of decomposition rates and identification of fungi was carried out in three places, namely the mangrove forest area of Pulau Sembilan Pangkalan Susu Village, the Forest Cultivation Laboratory of the Faculty of Forestry, University of North Sumatra and the Medan Industrial Research and Standardization Center. This research was conducted from June to December 2022. The results showed that the decomposition rate was 5,89/year and there were 5 species of fungi found on decomposed leaves, namely Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus glaucus, and Aspergillus clatavus. The average percentage of carbohydrates contained in R. mucronata litter is 4.07% and the average protein content is 6.45%.