Soil destruction level at vegetables cultivation land in upstream Cikapundung Sub Watershed, Indonesia and the alternative sustainable management

Abstract

The area for cultivating vegetables in the upstream of Cikapundung Sub-Watershed is categorized steeps dryland, which very susceptible on soil erosion. The research objectives were (1) to evaluate the amount of erosion in existing land use, (2) to determine the level of soil damage by erosion and its effect on land productivity, and (3) to formulate alternative management at vegetables cultivation land upstream of the Cikapundung Sub-Watershed to be sustainable. The research was conducted using a survey method in Lembang Subdistrict, West Bandung District, West Java Province, Indonesia. Primary data collection was carried out through interviews, observation, and soil sampling. Data analysis was based on descriptive and literature study. The results of the prediction showed that the largest soil erosion occurred in Mekarwangi Village on intensive cultivated vegetable fields with a slope of > 40%. The amount of erosion that occurred was 141.3 t ha-1 year-1, exceeding limit Tolerable Soil Loss (TSL). The level of soil destruction is quite heavy. There was a decrease in C-organic and soil nutrient content that caused the productivity of cultivated vegetables land had decreased by 26.6%. Management of vegetable cultivation land using soil conservation techniques should be applied appropriately, effectively, and efficiently according to the local agroecosystem conditions.