A Study the Relationship of Soil Quality with Land Suitability for Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Development in Kebonagung Sub-district, Pacitan District

Abstract

This study aims to assess the soil quality index (SQI) under the shade of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and its relationship to land suitability to provide recommendations for improvement to increase coconut productivity. This research conducted in Kebonagung District, Pacitan District using descriptive survey method. Land Map Units (LMU) are determined by overlaying soil type, land use, slope, and rainfall maps. Determination of survey using purposive sampling with 10 sample and three replications. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory with analysis method Bulk Density (Pycnometer), Porosity (Sample ring), Textures (Pipet), pH (Electrometric), Available P (Olsen method), Available K (NH4Oac 1 N extraction), Kjeldahl (Total N), Base saturation (Ammonium acetate extraction), SOC (Walkey and Black), CEC (Ammonium acetate method). Soil quality assessment was carried out using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to obtain Minimum Data Sets (MDS). Land suitability was evaluated through the matching method with the conditions for growing coconut plants. The analysis showed that the soil quality index had a significant positive correlation with land suitability (r=0.768, p=0.004). The limiting indicators based on the correlation test were BV, pH, available P, organic C, and CEC. Suggested improvement recommendations include applying land cover crops, dolomite, manure, and balanced P fertilization.