Potential Donations of Nutritional Contributions in Five Types of Tree Growing Dominantly in Tondano Sub-Das, Minahasa, North Sulawesi

Abstract

            One of the benefits of vegetation is the production of litter which plays a role in improving and maintaining soil quality. In addition, the decomposition process in litter also produces chemical compounds in the form of nutrients that have the potential to improve chemical fertility and be reused by plants.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of litter production and the contribution of nutrients from litter of 5 dominant tree species in the Tondano Sub-watershed, Minahasa, North Sulawesi. The study was conducted in October 2017 – May 2018. Litter production was measured using a litter collection net placed under the canopy of 5 tree species, with 15 observation trees each and repeated 3 times. The collection of litter is carried out every day. Furthermore, the litter was analyzed in the laboratory of Sam Ratulangi University Manado to determine the content of macro and micro nutrients.From the observations, it was concluded that the production of litter during the rainy season was mostly produced by Waisan wood (Elmerelliacelebica), which was 16.11 Mg ha-1 year-1. The results of the analysis of the content of the dominant macronutrient contained in the litter is the element Carbon (C). The highest percentage of element C was found in clove tree litter (Eugenia aromaticum) which was 50.24%. The results of the analysis of the content of micro elements showed that the dominant element contained in the litter was iron (Fe) and followed by Manganese (Mn). The highest content of Fe and Mn was found in Waisan Wood (Elmerelliacelebica) litter, which was 416.4 ppm and 132.5 ppm, respectively.