Study of some Chemical Properties of Ultisols Soils Based on the Existence of Earth Worms
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to determine some of the chemical properties of the soil on Ultisols inhabited and uninhabited by earthworm populations.
The research was carried out from April to June 2019, taking soil samples on mixed garden land in the Bukit Pinang Urban Village, Samarinda and soil analysis at the Soil Science Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Mulawarman University, Samarinda, East Kalimantan Province.
The research activities are: field observations, determining the location of soil sampling, soil sampling, collection and calculation of earthworms, and analysis of soil chemical properties in the laboratory.
The data collected were: population density of earthworms, and some soil chemical properties: soil pH C-organic, N-total, P-available, and K-available.
The results showed that Ultisols inhabited by worm populations had several soil chemical properties (soil pH, C-organic, N-total, P-available and K-available) which were higher than Ultisols soils that were not inhabited by earthworms.
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Introduction
Soil is part of the natural body that covers the earth with a thin layer, is synthesized in the form of a profile from weathered rocks and minerals, and decomposes organic matter which then provides water and nutrients that are useful for plant growth. According to [1] that soil fertility provides an overview not only of the types of nutrients but also the amount of nutrients available in the soil. Earthworms are organisms that are indicators of soil fertility that play an important role in improving soil productivity.
Earthworms playa very important role in maintaining soil fertility physically, chemically and biologically. Physically, earthworms playa role in mixing coarse or fine organic matter between the top and bottom layers so that their distribution is more even. This activity also causes the formation of a stable and loose soil structure, better aeration, smoother water infiltration thereby reducing erosion [2] .
Earthworms are a group of macrofauna that play an important role in various physical, chemical or biological processes of soil [3]. Earthworms are one of the most important organisms in the soil because they can mix various layers of the soil and introduce carbon in the form of organic matter into the soil. It is in this mixing process that organic matter spreads throughout the soil and provides the nutrients that plants need. In addition, earthworms also spread microorganisms in their intestines which increase the biological population in the soil. These worms will improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil which acts as a soil conditioner [4].
The presence of earthworms is an indicator of the health of a soil, because through the activities of these earthworms it can improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil [5]. Earthworm droppings contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium which are essential for plant growth [6].
Conclusion
AND SUGGESTIONS 4.1 Conclusion Based on the results of research and discussion, it can be concluded that Ultisols inhabited by worm populations have several soil chemical properties (soil pH, C-organic, N-total, P-available and K-available) which are higher than Ultisols soils that are not inhabited by earthworms. 4.2 Suggestion It is necessary to carryout similar research on soils with different vegetation accompanied by observations of more complete physical and chemical properties as well as the number and types of earthworms.
