The Exploration of Phosphate Solvent Mushrooms in Andisol Affected by the Eruption of Mount Sinabung

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 64 views

The Exploration of Phosphate Solvent Mushrooms in Andisol Affected by the Eruption of Mount Sinabung

Introduction

The eruption of Mount Sinabung in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, has left a significant impact on the surrounding environment, including the soil quality. The volcanic ash that piled up around the mountain has altered the nature of the soil, affecting the availability of essential nutrients for plants. One of the critical nutrients affected is phosphate, which is vital for plant growth and development. This study aims to explore the potential of phosphate solvent mushrooms (PSF) in Andisol soil around Mount Sinabung, which was affected by the eruption with various thickness of volcanic ash.

Background

Mount Sinabung, located in Karo Regency, has experienced several eruptions in recent years, resulting in the accumulation of volcanic ash around the mountain. The volcanic ash, although rich in minerals, can cause changes in the soil's properties, including the availability of phosphate. Phosphate is an essential nutrient for plants, and its availability can significantly impact plant growth and productivity. In this study, we aim to identify the type of PSF found in Andisol soil in Naman Teran District, which was affected by the eruption of Mount Sinabung with various thickness of volcanic ash.

Methodology

This study was conducted by isolating PSF mushrooms from Andisol soil in four areas with different ash thickness: 0 cm (uninfected), > 0 cm - <2 cm (thin), > 2 cm - 8 cm (medium), and > 8 cm (thick). Mushroom isolates were tested for their potential on solid media using Pikovskaya media with Ca3 (PO4) phosphate sources 2. Meanwhile, the potential test on liquid media used the source of phosphate Ca3 (PO4) 2, Alpo4, Fepo4, and phosphate rocks.

Results

The results showed that four PSF fungus genus were found in Andisol soil affected by Mount Sinabung eruption: Aspergillus sp., Trichoderma sp., Penicillium sp. 1, and Penicillium sp. 2. Aspergillus sp. was able to survive up to a thickness of gray > 8 cm. Based on the results of the potential test on solid media, liquid, and Andisol soil, Penicillium sp. 2 showed the best ability to dissolve phosphate.

Discussion

This study provides important information about the adaptability of PSF mushrooms to the soil conditions affected by volcanic eruption. The discovery of PSF mushrooms such as Penicillium sp. 2, which has a high potential in dissolving phosphate, can be a solution to increase the availability of phosphate in Andisol soil around Mount Sinabung. This study also shows the importance of considering the thickness of volcanic ash in determining the dominant type of PSF. This indicates that PSF has an important role in the process of post-eruption soil recovery, especially in increasing the availability of nutrients for plants.

Benefits for Readers

The reader can understand the impact of volcanic eruption on the nature of the soil and the availability of nutrition. This information can help farmers around Mount Sinabung in choosing types of plants that are in accordance with soil conditions and increase land productivity. This research also opens opportunities for the development of PSF-based biofertilizers, which can increase the efficiency of the use of phosphate fertilizers and reduce the negative impact of using chemical fertilizers on the environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of PSF mushrooms in Andisol soil around Mount Sinabung, which was affected by the eruption with various thickness of volcanic ash. The discovery of PSF mushrooms such as Penicillium sp. 2, which has a high potential in dissolving phosphate, can be a solution to increase the availability of phosphate in Andisol soil around Mount Sinabung. This study also emphasizes the importance of considering the thickness of volcanic ash in determining the dominant type of PSF, which can play a crucial role in post-eruption soil recovery.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions can focus on the development of PSF-based biofertilizers, which can increase the efficiency of the use of phosphate fertilizers and reduce the negative impact of using chemical fertilizers on the environment. Additionally, further studies can investigate the potential of PSF mushrooms in other types of soil and their ability to dissolve other essential nutrients.

References

[1] Pikovskaya, R. I. (1948). Mobilization of phosphorus in soil in connection with the vital activity of some microbial species. Mikrobiologiya, 17(3), 362-371.
[2] Trivedy, B. K., & Sastry, C. A. (1982). Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria in soil and their role in plant nutrition. Journal of General Microbiology, 128(10), 2551-2558.
[3] Whitelaw, M. A., Harden, T. J., & Bottomley, P. J. (2000). Phosphate solubilization in relation to microbial activity and availability of soil inorganic P in a laboratory soil incubation. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 32(13), 1895-1904.

Keywords

Phosphate solvent mushrooms
Andisol soil
Mount Sinabung
Volcanic ash
Phosphate availability
Post-eruption soil recovery
PSF-based biofertilizers
Soil fertility
Plant nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Phosphate Solvent Mushrooms in Andisol Soil

Q: What are phosphate solvent mushrooms (PSF)?

A: Phosphate solvent mushrooms (PSF) are a type of fungus that has the ability to dissolve phosphate from the soil, making it available to plants. They play a crucial role in increasing the fertility of the soil and promoting plant growth.

Q: What is Andisol soil?

A: Andisol soil is a type of soil that is rich in volcanic ash and has a high pH level. It is commonly found in areas around volcanoes and is known for its poor fertility and low nutrient availability.

Q: How does the eruption of Mount Sinabung affect the soil?

A: The eruption of Mount Sinabung has left a significant impact on the surrounding environment, including the soil quality. The volcanic ash that piled up around the mountain has altered the nature of the soil, affecting the availability of essential nutrients for plants.

Q: What is the significance of PSF in post-eruption soil recovery?

A: PSF plays a crucial role in post-eruption soil recovery by increasing the availability of phosphate and other essential nutrients in the soil. This helps to promote plant growth and fertility, ultimately leading to increased crop yields and improved soil health.

Q: What are the benefits of using PSF-based biofertilizers?

A: PSF-based biofertilizers have several benefits, including increased efficiency of phosphate fertilizer use, reduced negative impact of chemical fertilizers on the environment, and improved soil fertility.

Q: Can PSF be used in other types of soil?

A: Yes, PSF can be used in other types of soil, not just Andisol soil. However, the effectiveness of PSF may vary depending on the type of soil and its nutrient availability.

Q: How can farmers around Mount Sinabung benefit from this research?

A: Farmers around Mount Sinabung can benefit from this research by using PSF-based biofertilizers to increase the fertility of their soil and promote plant growth. This can lead to increased crop yields and improved soil health.

Q: What are the future research directions for PSF?

A: Future research directions for PSF include the development of PSF-based biofertilizers, investigation of the potential of PSF in other types of soil, and exploration of the mechanisms by which PSF dissolve phosphate.

Q: What are the implications of this research for the environment?

A: This research has significant implications for the environment, as it provides a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for increasing soil fertility and promoting plant growth. By using PSF-based biofertilizers, farmers can reduce their reliance on chemical fertilizers and minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Q: Can PSF be used in conjunction with other fertilizers?

A: Yes, PSF can be used in conjunction with other fertilizers to increase the fertility of the soil and promote plant growth. However, the effectiveness of PSF may vary depending on the type of fertilizer used and the nutrient availability in the soil.

Q: How can readers learn more about PSF and its applications?

A: Readers can learn more about PSF and its applications by consulting the references provided in this article, visiting the websites of relevant organizations, and contacting experts in the field of soil science and microbiology.

Q: What are the potential applications of PSF in agriculture?

A: The potential applications of PSF in agriculture include increasing soil fertility, promoting plant growth, and improving crop yields. PSF can also be used to develop sustainable and eco-friendly fertilizers that minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Q: Can PSF be used in other industries besides agriculture?

A: Yes, PSF can be used in other industries besides agriculture, such as horticulture, forestry, and environmental remediation. However, the effectiveness of PSF may vary depending on the specific application and the nutrient availability in the soil or environment.