Characteristics of the Coastal Sandy Land Cropping System in Panjatan, Kulonprogo

Abstract

The area of agricultural land in Indonesia has shrunk, so other land alternatives are needed, one of which is coastal sandy land, which is very large and has not been used optimally. The condition of coastal sandy land is not optimal for plant cultivation, but with the input of technology and the experience of farmers, a specific planting system was formed. This research aims to obtain a coastal sandy land planting system in the southern region of Kulonprogo. The study was conducted in 2025 in Panjatan District, Kulonprogo Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The research used the survey method, the implementation technique of which was carried out by observation and interviews. Respondents totalled of 92 respondents were selected by purposive sampling from the population of cultivators domiciled in Panjatan, as many as 1,143 people. The data obtained was analysed descriptively by creating systematic, factual, and accurate descriptions. The results showed that although coastal sandy land has challenges such as low water storage, high porosity, and high solar radiation, farmers in Panjatan District, Kulonprogo, can develop adaptive planting systems. The majority of farmers are over 46 years old and have a secondary education, but armed with experience, local wisdom, and the adoption of simple technology, they can manage marginal land productively. Land preparation is carried out using tractors, and the land is given chicken manure as basic fertilizer and plastic mulch. The crop is mostly chilli peppers and watermelons grown in monocultures, but there is crop rotation. The main watering is 1-2 times a day, especially in the morning, using a groundwater source sprayed with a water pump and nozzle hose. Advanced fertilizers are given as artificial fertilizers, especially urea and NPK fertilizers.