Salinity of paddy field in main landforms in Indramayu Regency, West Java

Abstract

One of the main problems of paddy field in Indramayu is the high level of salinity. Paddy fields in Indramayu Regency are located around the North Coast. This area is dominated by the alluvial, fluvio-marine, and marine landforms groups. This study aims to examine the relationship between soil salinity and the type of landform. A total of 102 soil samples on paddy soils were taken and analyzed in the laboratory to obtain soil salinity data. The average of soil salinity value in each landform was compared with one another. Several litho-sequent transects were constructed to observe the pattern of salinity distribution and two soil profiles were observed to confirm the soil forming material. The soils in the marine landform group had the highest salinity, followed by the fluvio-marine and alluvial group, with a mean value was 390.6 mg.L-1, 141.0 mg.L-1, and 61.9 mg.L-1, respectively. The salinity of soils developed from marine deposit is higher than alluvium deposit. The closer distance to coastline makes the possibility of higher sea water intrusion, causing higher soil salinity. The landform approach in estimating soil salinity level is very useful, making it easier to find effective land management to reduce negative impacts on paddy field.