Effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and bionanomaterial membrane applications on chemical properties of peat soils

Abstract

Peat soils have low fertility and are very acidic. Applications of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and bionanomaterial membranes (BNMs) have high potentials to alter soil pH. However, both applications have never been applied, especially in peat soils. This research aimed to analyze the effect of PGPR and BNMs applications on the chemical properties of peat soils in agroforestry sites. The method used was the sampling of disturbed peat soil. The results showed that after the application of dolomite, manure, PGPR and BNMs, pH values change from very acidic (3.60) to slightly alkaline (7.65), CN ratio from very low (1.20) to high (16), C-organic still very high (43.47%), N-total from very low (1.20%) to very high (1.47%), P-potential from moderate (26.18 mg/100g) to very high (3764.04 mg/100g), Ca-dd from low (4.11 cmol/Kg) to very high (31.59 cmol/kg), K-dd still very high (1.24 cmol/Kg), Mg-dd from high (3.72 cmol/Kg) to very high (23.68 cmol/Kg), Al-dd from very high (5.66 cmol/kg) to low (<0.05 cmol/kg), and base saturation from very low (10.36%) to very high (100%). The soil fertility was more fertile. The applications of PGPR and BNMs are recommended to improve the peat soil fertility quickly.