Land suitability evaluation for sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), corn (Zea mays), and cassava (Manihot esculenta) in Kamno Sari Village, Jagebob District, Merauke Regency Y Mangera (a*) and Parjono (b)
(a,b)Department of Agriculture Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Musamus University, Merauke, Indonesia *mangera[at]unmus.ac.id
Abstract
The level of land suitability for sugar cane, corn and cassava can be determined by evaluating land suitability. Information regarding land resources is very important for determining long-term agricultural development programs to meet food and energy needs. The aim of this research is to determine the actual and potential land suitability classes for the development of sugar cane, corn and cassava crops in Kamno Sari Village, Jagebob District, Merauke Regency. This research used a survey method and soil sampling was carried out on two types of land, namely moorland, bushland, and dryland forest. Data collection was carried out by direct observation, laboratory analysis and data analysis. The data analysis technique to determine land suitability subclasses is to match the conditions for cultivating sugar cane, corn and cassava with the quality and characteristics of the land in accordance of the Technical Guidelines for Land Evaluation for Agricultural Commodities Revised Edition in 2011. The results of the research show that the land suitability classes for sugar cane plants are in both land type (field and scrubland) is classified as marginal suitability class (S3) with limiting factors of water availability (wa), nutrient retention (nr), and nutrients available (na). The land suitability class for corn plants on both types of land (field and scrubland) is classified as marginal suitability class (S3) with limiting factors for nutrient retention (nr) and available nutrients (na). The land suitability class for cassava plants on both types of land (field and scrubland) is classified as marginal suitability class (S3) with a limiting factor for available nutrients (na). Basically, the limiting factors for corn and cassava plants in this study can be improved by liming and adding organic material, while the limiting factors for water availability (wa) in sugar cane plants can be overcome by carrying out technical irrigation.
Keywords: Evaluation- land suitability- sugar cane- corn- cassava- merauke
