The exploration and utilization of functional microorganisms isolated from the tropical peatlands

The utilization of peatlands may decline the ecological functions of peatlands as carbon sink, water storage and biodiversity source. Therefore, different scientific approaches are required to increase peat productivity and inhibit decline in the ecological functions of peatlands. This article is aimed to provide information on researches that have been carried out in tropical peats in the South Kalimantan Province. The exploration and the potential utilization of microbes was reviewed from several studies conducted in the Desa Landasan Ulin Utara (LaURa), Kota Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan Province. Peat research carried out in the Desa LaURa during the dry season after peat fires in 2015 showed that microbial SRBM (mixture of N fixing, solubilizing P and cellulolytic microorganisms) from the modified recharge bio-pore system was able to improve the growth of roots, stems, and leaves, nutrient uptake, and increase production and biomass of soybean. In another research in 2018, the use of commercial biofertilizers containing Azotobacter sp and Lactobacillus sp applied to the LaURa peats significantly increased the total N and pH of peats but did not accelerate the decomposition of peat materials. In subsequent study on the exploration of nitrogen fixing microorganisms from the LaURa peats (sapric peats) which amounted to 10375-10500 cells g−1, the total N-fixing microbial population was correlated positively to the pH and EC of peats, and correlated negatively to the contents of peat organic C. Combining the results, the total N2 fixing microbial (NFM) population was significantly affected by organic C and peat EC (total NFM population = -154.052 + 33.126 pH + 607.117 EC, R2 = 51.63%). Results obtained from these studies demonstrated that the functional microbes of peatlands are able to maintain ecological functions of the peats.