Sand mining activities from riverbeds or banks can harm the environment, especially water quality, by increasing turbidity, which can endanger ecosystems and human health. This study aims to analyze the water quality of the river around the sand mining area using the Water Quality Index (WQI) method. In this study, water samples were collected at three points: upstream, middle, and downstream, with three repetitions conducted over three consecutive days near the sand mining area of Sembubuk Village, Muaro Jambi Regency. The test results showed significant values in several parameters, including TSS at the midpoint, which reached 252 mg/l. This figure indicates a high number of suspended particles in the water. The turbidity value at the midpoint was also very high, at 285 NTU, indicating very cloudy water. In addition, the DO level at the midpoint of the mining site was the lowest, at 2.21 mg/l. This low DO indicates that the mining process releases oxidized materials trapped in the bottom sediment, which consume oxygen in the water. These parameters individually did not meet the river water quality standards. The method used combined various parameters, and the overall value could reflect the combined conditions of each parameter. Thus, the analysis of the WQI pollution level of the Batanghari River around the sand mining area in Sembubuk Village, Muaro Jambi Regency, indicated that the pollution level was at "Poor" status, with an average WQI value of 50.33. The midpoint had the highest WQI classification value among the points, at 50.42, indicating the greatest contribution of mining activities to the decline in water quality. Although the status improved to "Good" on the second day, this improvement was temporary. Overall, the river's condition remained poor, as its status reverted to "Poor" on the third day.
Peatlands are unique wetland ecosystems that play a significant role in carbon sequestration and maintaining hydrological balance. However, human activities have led to peatland degradation in Indonesia, resulting in the loss of ecosystem services and ecological functions of peat soils as well as increased greenhouse gas emissions. Restoring and rehabilitating peatlands requires sustainable and ecosystem-based approaches that harness local potential. One potential strategy involves the use of indigenous microbes through microbial engineering technology. This literature review highlights the potential of indigenous microbes as a sustainable peatland management strategy in Indonesia. Indigenous microbes, which are naturally adapted to the acidic and nutrient-poor conditions of peatlands, have potential as bioremediation agents, organic matter decomposers, and plant growth promoters. Microbial engineering involves several stages, including isolation, in vitro selection, pot tests, and the formulation of superior microbes for field application. This technology aims to improve soil quality, enhance microbial community structure, and boost land productivity without harming the environment. It can also accelerate the sustainable restoration of peatland functions, support food security, and mitigate climate change. The development of this technology necessitates further research, supportive policies, and the engagement of local communities to ensure its effective and long-term implementation.
Water pollution by heavy metals such as lead (Pb) causes toxic effects that inhibit the growth of aquatic organisms. Bioremediation using microorganisms such as Azotobacter sp. and Pseudomonas sp. is an environmentally friendly approach to reducing Pb toxicity through biological absorption and detoxification mechanisms. This study aimed to determine the most effective combination of biofertilizers in supporting the bioremediation process and the growth of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.). The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of the University of Singaperbangsa Karawang from January to April 2025 using a single-factor Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments and three replications. The results showed that treatment B (10 ppm Pb (50 ml Pseudomonas sp. + 25 ml Azotobacter sp.)) produced the highest values across all growth parameters. The combination of these two microorganisms enhanced nutrient availability and phytohormone production, supporting photosynthetic activity and improving the adaptation of Pistia stratiotes L. to Pb exposure, thereby demonstrating potential as an effective bioremediation agent.
Ultisol is a type of soil characterized by relatively low fertility, making it commonly utilized for oil palm plantations. In Sungai Muluk Village, oil palm plantations have surpassed their productive phase, necessitating replanting activities. This condition has resulted in decreased household income among local communities. As an alternative strategy, farmers have adopted red ginger cultivation through an intercropping system. However, the implementation of this system is constrained by soil nutrient deficiencies. This study aims to evaluate the application of cattle/cow manure and boiler ash on changes in the chemical properties of Ultisol soil after oil palm replanting, as well as to optimize the growth of red ginger plants during the maximum vegetative phase. This study used a non-factorial randomized block design with six treatment levels, namely A0 (control), A1 (10 tons ha-1 of cow/cattle manure + 5 tons ha-1 of boiler ash), A2 (15 tons ha-1 of cow manure + 5 tons of ha-1 boiler ash), A3 (15 tons ha-1 of cow manure + 10 tons ha-1 of boiler ash), A4 (20 tons ha-1 of cow manure + 10 tons ha-1 of boiler ash), A5 (20 tons ha-1 of cow manure + 15 tons ha-1 of boiler ash). The parameters observed were pH, exchangeable K, total N, plant height, number of leaves, and fresh weight of rhizomes. The results showed that the application of cow manure and boiler ash to Ultisols after oil palm replanting increased pH, exchangeable cations, plant height, number of leaves, and fresh weight of rhizomes. The combination of cow manure and boiler ash at a dose of 20 tons ha-1 of cow manure + 15 tons ha-1 of boiler ash effectively improved the chemical properties of Ultisol and increased the growth of red ginger plants.
Soil fertility is a determining factor in agricultural productivity and sustainable land management. This study aims to: 1) analyze soil fertility status in various land uses in Dolokgede Village, Bojonegoro Regency; 2) evaluate the effect of land use on soil physical and chemical properties, and; 3) analyze the relationship between soil parameters as indicators of soil fertility. The study was conducted from May to December 2024. Observation points were determined based on Land Mapping Units (LMU) across three land uses (rice fields, drylands, and forests), where a total of 24 composite soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–20 cm. The samples were analyzed for pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation (BS), organic C, total N, available P, exchangeable cations (K, Ca, Mg, Na), texture, bulk density, particle density, and porosity. Soil fertility status was classified and mapped using ArcGIS. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at a 5% significance level, correlation, and regression. The results showed that total N was low (0.11–0.19%) in all land uses. Available P was very high in rice fields (59.31 ppm) due to intensive fertilization, but moderate in drylands and forests. Exchangeable K and organic C were low, while CEC and BS were very high in all land uses. Land use had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on available P and exchangeable Ca, Na, and Mg, but had no effect on other parameters, including all soil physical properties. An increase in organic C was strongly associated with total N (R² = 0.62), whereas high BS was associated with increased available P (R² = 0.99). Soil fertility status at the study site was determined by chemical factors and fertilizer management rather than changes in physical properties due to land use change. The implications of these findings for sustainable land management include organic matter management and balanced fertilizer use as measures to prevent soil degradation.
