Species Diversity of Fungi Decomposers of Rhizophora stylosa Leaf Litter in Mangrove Ecosystem Pulau Sembilan Langkat Regency

Abstract

Litter decomposition is a process of decomposing litter which is an important component of the nutrient cycle process because it can contribute greatly to soil fertility. Fungi are one of the microorganisms that play an important role in the decomposition process. The purpose of this study was to identify the number of species and diversity index of fungi, determine the rate of decomposition, and analyze the protein and carbohydrate content of decomposed R. stylosa leaf litter. This research was conducted on Pulau Sembilan, Langkat Regency and at the Forest Cultivation Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, University of North Sumatra. Carbohydrate and protein analysis was carried out at the Medan Industrial Research and Standardization Center. This research method uses Litter-bag. There are 4 types of fungi namely Aspergillus sp, Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp, and Trichoderma sp. The index value of fungal diversity in R. stylosa leaf litter is 1.49. The decomposition rate of R. stylosa leaf litter is 7.7. The highest protein content was found in R. stylosa leaf litter that underwent decomposition for 30 days at 5.76% and the highest carbohydrate content was found in the control at 10.4%.