The importance of soil biodiversity for sustaining the development of sisal in Sumbawa and Sumba with special reference to soil-borne pathogens

Sisal ( Agave sisalana ) is a good source of natural fiber for various purposes, e.g. handicrafts, doormats, boat ropes, wrappers, pulp, carpets, geotextiles, etc. Sisal is now being developed in some part of Sumbawa and Sumba islands due to its ability to grow at drought conditions and arid-semiarid regions. Most of the areas were originally grassland with shrub spots that have never been disturbed. Intensive planting Sisal under monoculture system for long period could alter the balance of soil biodiversity which lead to an emergence of a disease(s), particularly soil borne diseases. Recently, there are two distinct diseases (bole rot and zebra diseases) occurred in the areas indicating that soil health is under stress. Successful sisal sustainable development in these areas needs good agricultural practices with special attention to the management of biodiversity. Since soil biodiversity has an important role in stabilizing stress and disturbance. This paper discusses how to sustain Sisal development in Sumbawa and Sumba, including: good management sisal residues, intercropping, and environmentally friendly pest and disease control.