The role of soil macrofauna in the decomposition process of mahogany litter in the Wanagama Educational Forest, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

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Abstract

Soil fertility is determined by three components: physical, chemical, and biological components of the soil. Soil macrofauna is one of the biological components of the soil that can play an important role in the process of litter decomposition. This study aims to determine the type and abundance of soil macrofauna in mahogany stands and their role in decomposing litter. The abundance of soil macrofauna was studied using the hand-sorting method. The study of the role of soil macrofauna in decomposing litter was conducted using litter bags with a mesh size of 0.5 mm (no access to soil macrofauna) and 5 mm (with access to soil macrofauna) filled with litter and then placed on the mahogany forest floor. The ability of soil macrofauna to decompose litter was determined by keeping the animals and providing mahogany litter. C and N analysis was conducted on the remaining litter and feces. The results of the study showed: 1. The abundance of soil macrofauna (decomposers) such as Oligochaeta, Isopoda, Isoptera and millipede in mahogany stands in Wanagama Forest is still low. 2. The role of soil macrofauna in the field in the decomposition process of mahogany litter is relatively small because the macrofauna population is also relatively small. 3. Spirobolus sp, has the potential to be developed as a decomposer in mahogany stands.