The Old Impact of the LA Application on Macrofauna Land

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 146 views

The Diversity of Macrofauna Soil Around the LA (Land Application) Area at PT. Pangkat Indonesia (Evans Group) in Several Application Periods 2017-2021

Introduction

Palm oil plantations in Indonesia are rapidly expanding, accompanied by an increase in the production of oil palm factory liquid waste. To maintain the balance of the ecosystem, this liquid waste is applied through the Land Application (LA) method. This study investigated the diversity of macrofauna soil around the LA area in PT. Pangkat Indonesia (Evans Group) in several application periods (2017-2021).

Background

Palm oil plantations in Indonesia are a significant contributor to the country's economy, but they also have a significant impact on the environment. The production of oil palm factory liquid waste is a major concern, as it can pollute waterways and soil if not managed properly. The Land Application (LA) method is a common practice used to manage this waste by applying it to the soil. However, the impact of LA on the soil ecosystem is not well understood.

Methodology

This research was conducted at the plantation of PT. Pangkat Indonesia (Evans Group), Pangkat District, Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra in October to November 2021. The research team took a sample from six different locations, namely:

LA 2017-2021 (V5-V6): Planting Year Plants 2003
LA 2018-2021 (U3-U4): Planting Year Plants 2006
LA 2019-2021 (D6-D7): Planting Year Plants 2006

The sampling method uses pitfall traps and hand sorting.

The Old Impact of the LA Application on Macrofauna Land

The results showed that the length of LA application affected groundwater content. Area V5 and V6, which have received LA since 2017, have groundwater content higher than 18%. This suggests that the LA application has a significant impact on the soil ecosystem, particularly on the groundwater content.

Macrofauna Diversity Index

This study found 13 soil macrofauna species classified in 2 phylum, 5 classes, 9 orders, and 13 families. Macrofauna density in the LA area varies:

LA 2017-2021: Density in area V5 reaches 271.45 ind/m2, and in the V6 area reaches 220.55 ind/m2.
LA 2018-2021: Density in the U3 area reaches 155.81 IND/m2, and in the U4 area reaches 152.15 ind/m2.
LA 2019-2021: Density in Area D6 reached 195.45 IND/m2, and in Area D7 reached 195.45 IND/m2.

Ants (Solenopsis sp.) were only found in the D6-D7 area, which has received LA applications since 2019. Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium Pharaonis) and Black Ants (Odontoponera sp.) are the most common species found in all areas.

Macrofauna Relationship with the Physical Properties of the Soil

This study also examined the effect of changes in the physical properties of the soil (pH, soil temperature, C-organic, N-Total, and C/N) on macrofauna density, especially in the Insecta class. The results show that the change in the physical properties of this soil significantly affects the existence and density of macrofauna in the LA area.

Conclusion and Recommendations

This study shows that the length of LA application affects the diversity and density of soil macrofauna. The area that receives the LA application for longer has a higher groundwater content, which has an impact on the composition and number of existing macrofauna.

It is essential to pay attention to the impact of LA application on soil biodiversity and continuing management to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Further research is needed to understand in more detail the relationship between the physical properties of the soil and diversity and the role of macrofauna in the LA area. This information will be useful for developing a more optimal and environmentally friendly management of liquid waste management strategies.

Implications for Sustainable Land Management

The findings of this study have significant implications for sustainable land management practices. The results suggest that the LA application method can have a positive impact on the soil ecosystem, particularly on the groundwater content. However, the impact of LA on soil biodiversity and macrofauna density is still not well understood.

To develop more effective and environmentally friendly management strategies, further research is needed to investigate the relationship between LA application and soil biodiversity. This study highlights the importance of considering the impact of LA on the soil ecosystem and the need for continued management to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.

Future Research Directions

This study provides a foundation for further research on the impact of LA application on soil biodiversity and macrofauna density. Future research should focus on investigating the relationship between LA application and soil biodiversity, as well as the role of macrofauna in the LA area.

Additionally, research should be conducted to develop more effective and environmentally friendly management strategies for liquid waste management. This includes investigating the use of alternative methods, such as composting or anaerobic digestion, and evaluating the impact of these methods on soil biodiversity and macrofauna density.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the diversity of macrofauna soil around the LA area in PT. Pangkat Indonesia (Evans Group) in several application periods (2017-2021). The results suggest that the length of LA application affects the diversity and density of soil macrofauna, and that the area that receives the LA application for longer has a higher groundwater content.

The findings of this study have significant implications for sustainable land management practices and highlight the need for continued management to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Further research is needed to understand in more detail the relationship between the physical properties of the soil and diversity and the role of macrofauna in the LA area.
Q&A: The Diversity of Macrofauna Soil Around the LA (Land Application) Area at PT. Pangkat Indonesia (Evans Group) in Several Application Periods 2017-2021

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the diversity of macrofauna soil around the LA area in PT. Pangkat Indonesia (Evans Group) in several application periods (2017-2021).

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it provides valuable insights into the impact of LA application on soil biodiversity and macrofauna density. The findings of this study have significant implications for sustainable land management practices and highlight the need for continued management to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.

Q: What are the main findings of this study?

A: The main findings of this study are:

The length of LA application affects the diversity and density of soil macrofauna.
The area that receives the LA application for longer has a higher groundwater content.
The macrofauna density in the LA area varies depending on the location and the length of LA application.
The most common species found in all areas are Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium Pharaonis) and Black Ants (Odontoponera sp.).

Q: What are the implications of this study for sustainable land management?

A: The findings of this study have significant implications for sustainable land management practices. The results suggest that the LA application method can have a positive impact on the soil ecosystem, particularly on the groundwater content. However, the impact of LA on soil biodiversity and macrofauna density is still not well understood.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are:

The study was conducted in a single location, and the results may not be generalizable to other locations.
The study only investigated the impact of LA application on soil biodiversity and macrofauna density, and did not consider other factors that may affect the soil ecosystem.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: The future research directions are:

Investigating the relationship between LA application and soil biodiversity.
Evaluating the impact of alternative methods, such as composting or anaerobic digestion, on soil biodiversity and macrofauna density.
Developing more effective and environmentally friendly management strategies for liquid waste management.

Q: What are the recommendations for land managers and policymakers?

A: The recommendations for land managers and policymakers are:

To consider the impact of LA application on soil biodiversity and macrofauna density when making management decisions.
To continue management to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
To invest in research and development of more effective and environmentally friendly management strategies for liquid waste management.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The potential applications of this study are:

Developing more effective and environmentally friendly management strategies for liquid waste management.
Improving the sustainability of land management practices.
Enhancing the biodiversity of soil ecosystems.

Q: What are the potential risks and challenges associated with this study?

A: The potential risks and challenges associated with this study are:

The study may not be generalizable to other locations.
The study may not consider all the factors that affect the soil ecosystem.
The study may not provide a complete understanding of the impact of LA application on soil biodiversity and macrofauna density.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study?

A: The potential benefits of this study are:

Providing valuable insights into the impact of LA application on soil biodiversity and macrofauna density.
Developing more effective and environmentally friendly management strategies for liquid waste management.
Improving the sustainability of land management practices.