Mapping of actual and potential land suitability for oil palm in several land unit using geographic information system

Abstract

The suitability land of oil palm in North Sumatra Province is important, especially in the lands that are often planted by the community. This study aimed to map the actual and potential suitability of the land for oil palm in Sei Bingai Subdistrict, Langkat, North Sumatra, Indonesia under the different land unit. This research was conducted from March to June 2018. The survey method was conducted to collect soil samples in the field. Land suitability classification (LSC) was evaluated based on the matching method. The Geographic Information System (SIG) was used to map the land suitability classes. The results showed that the land suitability classes for oil palm were marginally suitable (S3) on all land unit. There were no suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2), and not suitable (N) classes were found in all land unit. There were several limiting factors in land suitability evaluation in the area, namely: the availability of water, erosion hazard, and root zone medium. The water availability (wa) was the dominant limiting factor in this area.