THE EFFECT OF APPLICATION ACAULOSPORA SP ON THE ROOT GROWTH OF CANAVALIA ENSIFORMIS L AT NICKEL POST-MINE LAND

Abstract

Plant root growth is greatly influenced by the chemical properties of the soil; therefore, excessive heavy metals content in the soil will affect plant root growth. The aim of this research was to study the effect of Acaulospora sp as biological agents on the root growth of Canavalia ensiformis at nickel post-mining land in Sorowako, Indonesia. The research was carried out using a randomized block design with application of Acaulospora sp from different area as treatment, namely: native Acaulospora, exotic Acaulospora and without Acaulospora. The results show that the application effect of native Acaulospora increased the number of lateral roots, percentage infected root, root length, root volume, root dry weight, and root:shoot ratio of Canavalia ensiformis. The native Acaulospora also acceleration of the adaptation process of Canavalia ensiformis in the land with high nickel concentration.