Soil water availability for crops on landslide deposits in Bompon Sub-Watershed, Magelang

Abstract

One of the important factors in agricultural practices is the soil water availability for crops. This study was aimed to identify landslide deposits, assess the soil characteristics of each landslide zone, the effect of soil physical characteristics on the soil water availa bility for crops, and determine the availability of water for crops in landslide deposits. The soil sampling was carried out by purposive sampling method at 12 landslide points and 4 zones, i.e. crown, main-scarp, main-body, a nd toe-slope at two soil depths (0-100 cm and 100-200 cm). The data were analyzed with a regression test and standard deviation method. The results showed that the high soil water availability for crops occurred at the toe-slope zone, 0-100 cm depth and at the main-scarp zone, 100-200 cm depth. The soil physical properties clearly correlated with soil moisture content. Based on the soil water a vaila bility level, it might be suitable for annual crops (i.e. cassava, ginger, sweet potatoes, etc.) at the toe-slope zone and perennial crops i.e. Albizia chinensis, etc.) at the main- scarp zone. Therefore, landslides in the Bompon Sub-watershed, Magelang, is potentially utilized for agricultural development.