Soil Quality Index and Water Stress Vulnerability in Different Land Use Against Drought Disaster of Aceh Besar, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to assess the soil quality index (SQI) and water stress vulnerability in different land-use types concerning the drought disaster in Aceh Besar, Indonesia. This research uses a descriptive method through field observations and laboratory analysis. A total of 180 samples were taken, representing 12 types of land use, which include land with forest vegetation, namely, primary forest, secondary forest, pine forest, eucalyptus forest, teak forest, and forest shrubs, shrubland, grassland or Imperata, mixed gardens, moorlands, rainfed rice fields, and open land. Soil samples were taken at a depth of 0–20 cm using sample rings and a soil auger. The assessment of soil quality indicators and determination of SQI uses the Mausbach and Seybold method. Water stress vulnerability level was measured by using a scoring method. The findings of the study show that the SQI has varying soil quality indicators among land-use types. SQI varied from medium to very good category at SQI of 0.466–0.863. Common constraints found in drought areas of Aceh Besar District include shallow soil solum, medium bulk density, low total N, low available P, and low organic carbon. Land use type under forest vegetation is relatively better and resistant to water stress vulnerability compared to land use type under non-forest vegetation.