Differences in Andisols properties as affected by horticulture land use and pine forest in Lembang Sub District, West Java

Abstract

Andisols have different characteristics depending on the use and management of the soil. This study aimed to determine the different characteristics of Andisols at horticulture land use and pine forest. Three soil profiles in Lembang, West Java, have been identified to represent land use differences and 23 soil samples were selected for analysis of the soil chemical and physical properties. The results showed that the three profiles have very thick solum (=150 cm), bulk density of 0.40 to 0.68 g cm-3, pH NaF >10, very high P retention (>90%) with acid to slightly acid soil reaction. organic C was very high in the surface horizon and decreased irregularly with soil depth. The upper layer of soil planted with vegetables has a higher content of total K and available P compared to the soil under pine forests. The soil was classified as Typic Hapludands or Umbric Andosols. High P retention and low pH are some of the limiting factors in agricultural business, requiring soil cultivation and application of organic matter to increase soil pH and reduce P retention.