KEANEKARAGAMAN NEMATODA SEBAGAI INDIKATOR KUALITAS TANAH PADA LAHAN CABAI RAWIT (Capsicum frutescens) DESA BANGSRING SERTA PEMANFAATANNYA SEBAGAI BOOKLET

Abstract

Chili (Capsicum frutescens) cultivation in Bangsring Village depends on good soil quality to support optimal plant growth. Soil nematodes are widely used as biological indicators because their community structure reflects soil ecological conditions. This study aimed to analyze the diversity and community structure of soil nematodes in cayenne pepper fields as indicators of soil quality and ecosystem stability, as well as to identify the presence of plant-parasitic nematodes. The research was conducted from 22 September to 19 December 2025 using a quantitative descriptive method, which included soil sampling using a zig-zag technique, nematode extraction, and identification to the genus level. The results showed that 10 nematode genera belonging to four trophic groups were found in the cayenne pepper field, including bacterivores, fungivores, predators, and plant parasitic nematodes. The bacterivorous group was dominant, while predators had the lowest abundance. The nematode diversity index (H’) was 1,03, indicating low diversity. The Plant Parasitic Index (PPI) was 3, indicating moderate parasitic pressure, while the Maturity Index (MI) was 1,42, indicating a disturbed soil ecosystem. The PPI/MI ratio was 2,10 indicating a highly disturbed biological condition of the soil. The booklet developed based on the research results obtained a validation score of 82.4%, which was categorized as very feasible for use as an educational and informational medium.