| dc.description.abstract | Mangroves contribute essential nutrients to the soil through litterfall that
accumulates in sediment. Leaf litter, as a primary component, serves as a source
of carbohydrates, proteins, and nutrients necessary for vegetation growth in
coastal environments. Fungi are vital components of the soil ecosystem,
functioning both as decomposers and plant symbionts, and play a central role in
ecological and biogeochemical processes. The application of Aspergillus sp 1. in
the decomposition of Rhizophora mucronata leaf litter has the potential to
produce natural feed for milkfish (Chanos chanos) in the Sicanang Belawan
mangrove ecosystem. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this fungus
in accelerating litter decomposition and its impact on milkfish growth. Leaf litter
inoculated with Aspergillus sp 1. isolates was placed in litterbags and submerged
in net cages containing juvenile milkfish. Observations were conducted over 90
days, focusing on decomposition rate, fungal diversity, macrobenthos, and fish
growth. Results showed a high decomposition rate, with a constant of 0,0383/day.
Three dominant fungal species were identified: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus sp 1.
Aspergillus sp 2., and Aspergillus flavus, with a Shannon diversity index of 1.33.
Milkfish growth significantly increased, with an average weight of 48.00 grams in
the treatment group compared to 19.99 grams in the control group. These findings
suggest that the application of Aspergillus sp 1. is effective in enhancing natural
feed production and promoting sustainable milkfish cultivation. | en_US |
