The role of indigenous Rhizobia on Paraserianthes falcataria (L) Nielsen seedlings in nickel post mining lands

Abstract

Application of indigenous Rhizobia on degraded land reclamation, especially post mining land allegedly can promote plant growth and development.. The research was to determine effectiveness of indigenous Rhizobia isolates from nickel post mining land to the growth of P. falcataria (L) Nielsen seedlings. Three types of native Rhizobia isolates (R1, R2, R3) and their combination (R4, R5, R6, R7) were applied as treatments in randomized completely design. All data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal Walis. Significant differences between treatments were analyzed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) and Mann Whitney. The result showed most of growth variables of seedlings was not significantly influenced by Rhizobia inoculation, except stem diameter and biomass. This research also indicated correlation between N content in plant tissue with number of nodules, diameter and biomass although not significant. Single inoculation of Rhizobia did not show optimal results on P. falcataria (L) Nielsen seedlings so double inoculation using other potential microbes or input organic fertilizers at certain levels allegedly can increase the potential of Rhizobia on plants, especially in nickel post mining reclamation.