Analysis of salt location suitability in Tuban regency, East Java by using salt suitability index (SSI)

Abstract

Aquatic ecosystems have biotic and abiotic components that can be essential resources in development. One of these components is the minerals in the water, such as salt (NaCl). Salt is a valuable commodity that is extensively used for consumption and industrial purposes. This commodity is widely produced in various regions in Indonesia. One of the main factors that determine the success of salt production is the salt location suitability. Therefore, the innovation of technology to evaluate the suitability of salt production is fundamentally essential. This study analyzes the suitability of the salt production sites in Tuban Regency (i.e., Palang District and Tambakboyo District) as one of East Java's main salt production areas using the Salt Suitability Index (SSI) method. The method evaluates the suitability of salt production sites by analyzing nine environmental parameters (rainfall, soil type, soil permeability, exposure time, humidity, wind speed, air temperature, evaporation rate and a saturation level of raw material water). This study shows that the SSI value of salt production site in Palang District and Tambakboyo District is 97% and 94%, respectively. These results suggest that the salt production sites in Tuban Regency are very suitable for salt production.