TERRA : Journal of Land Restoration

Characteristics of Agricultural Land in the Floodplain Area of the Tarusan Watershed, Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatra

Nofrita Sandi — 2025-06-11

The numerous rivers and high rainfall in West Sumatra often lead to flooding, which affects several land uses such as settlements, plantations, and agriculture. During floods, water transports various materials from upstream to downstream, such as sand, mud, and clay, which are deposited in certain riverbanks. This study aimed to examine the soil fertility characteristics in the floodplain area. The method used in this research was a survey method with purposive random sampling at two soil depths: 0 – 30 cm and 30 – 60 cm. Samples were taken from two land uses: dryland agriculture and wetland agriculture. The parameters analyzed were texture, organic carbon, bulk density, total pore space, pH in H₂O, available P, total N, and exchangeable potassium. The results of the study for each parameter showed that the soil texture in dryland agriculture was sandy loam, while in wetland agriculture, it was clay loam. Organic carbon was classified as low (1.31%–1.62%). Wetland soils had higher porosity (57.67%–61.40%) and lower bulk density (1.01–1.10 g/cm³) compared to dryland soils. Soil pH was acidic (4.52–4.95). Available P, total N, and exchangeable potassium were higher in wetland soils than in dryland soils. In conclusion, the results of the study indicate that the soil properties, both physical and chemical, in wetland agriculture were better than in dryland agriculture, although no significant differences were found.

Evaluation of Land Suitability and Potential Development of Cardamom (Amomum compactum L.) in Padang Jaya Subdistrict, North Bengkulu Regency

Muhammad Faisal — 2025-06-11

Cardamom (Amomum compactum) is a high-value spice with significant applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. The increasing global demand makes cardamom a promising commodity for agricultural expan sion. However, limited information on land suitability in Padang Jaya Subdistrict poses a challenge to optimizing cultivation. This study aimed to map the land suitability classes for cardamom cultivation and assess the potential for cardamom development in Padang Jaya Subdistrict, North Bengkulu. The research involved in field surveys, soil sampling, laboratory analysis, and GIS-based land suitability evaluation using the FAO framework. Key parameters as sessed included rooting media, nutrient retention, slope, and climate condition in the past 10 years. The FAO classification system categorized land into four suitability classes, namely: S1 (high suitable), S2 (moderately suitable), S3 (marginally suitable), and N (not suitable). The result indicate the actual land suitability is predominantly S3nrnaeh and S2nrnaeh, with major limiting factors including rooting media, nutrient retention, nutrient availability, and slope. Land improvement efforts such as liming, organic matter applications, fertilization, and soil conservation techniques led to an increase in land suitability, with 62.3% of S3 land upgraded to S2 and 37.7% of S2 land reached S1. Furthermore, GIS-based analysis identified four land cover types suitable for extensification: mixed gardens, seasonal crops, plantations, and bare land, totaling 8,747.71 hectares. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing land use planning, improving productivity, and promoting sustainable agricultural development. Integrating GIS and remote sensing in future studies could enhance land suitability assessments with a more refined spatial scale. The results also serve as a scientific reference for policymakers and farmers in designing sustainable land management strategies and minimizing environmental degradation.

Evaluation of Selected Soil Physical Properties in Oil Palm, Rubber, and Forest Land in Mukomuko Regency

Ahmad Nurwanto — 2025-06-11

This study investigates the influence of land use on soil physical properties and horizon thickness in Mukomuko Regency, Indonesia, to assess the impacts of agricultural practices on soil quality. Conducted between February and April 2020, the research utilized a nested design across four districts, with laboratory analyses performed at the Soil Science Laboratory, Bengkulu University. Land use types evaluated included oil palm, rubber, and natural forest. Variables measured comprised soil structure, horizon thickness, aggregate stability, bulk density (BD), texture, and organic carbon (C-organic). Statistical analysis (ANOVA, p < 0.05) revealed significant effects of land use on BD, C organic content, and soil texture, whereas aggregate stability was not significantly influenced by vegetation type or depth. Forest soils exhibited the highest C-organic content (5.78%) and lowest BD (0.82 g cm⁻³), contrasting with oil palm soils, which had the lowest C-organic content (4.22%) and highest BD (0.86 g cm⁻³). Texture analysis showed forest soils had higher sand (19.69%) and clay (50.20%) fractions, while rubber land had the highest silt content (57.59%). Soil physical properties generally declined with depth under rubber and oil palm but fluctuated in forest soils. These results suggest that vegetation type significantly affects soil quality, with forest ecosystems maintaining superior soil conditions compared to intensively managed agricultural systems. Adoption of sustainable land management practices is essential to mitigate soil degradation and enhance long-term productivity.

Decomposition of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches of Various Sizes Treated With Excelzyme

Fakhrul Habibullah — 2025-06-11

The rapid expansion of the palm oil industry has led to an increased accumulation of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFBs), creating significant environmental challenges due to their slow decomposition rate and high lignin content. This study investigates the decomposition of OPEFBs of varying sizes treated with Excelzyme, a commercial enzyme formulation designed to enhance lignocellulosic biomass degradation. The research was conducted using a 2 factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with Excelzyme dosages (250 mL, 375 mL, and 500 mL) and OPEFB sizes (unchopped, 2-5 cm, 1-2 cm, and <0.5 cm) as treatment factors. The decomposition process was evaluated based on temperature fluctuations, pH, total nitrogen, organic carbon, and lignocellulosic composition (hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin) over an 8-week period. Results indicated that Excelzyme significantly influenced organic carbon reduction, hemicellulose degradation, and lignin breakdown, with higher dosages accelerating the decomposition process. The size of OPEFBs also played a crucial role, as smaller particle sizes facilitated microbial and enzymatic activity, leading to more efficient decomposition. Statistical analysis revealed significant interactions between enzyme dosage and OPEFB size, with the combination of 500 mL Excelzyme and <0.5 cm OPEFBs showing the highest decomposition rate. Temperature monitoring indicated a peak around week 5, suggesting optimal microbial activity and enzymatic breakdown at this stage. These findings highlight the potential of Excelzyme treatment in optimizing OPEFB decomposition, offering a sustainable approach to managing palm oil industry waste. The study contributes to improved biotechnological strategies for waste management and resource utilization, paving the way for enhanced agricultural sustainability and environmental conservation.

Morphological Characteristics and Changes in Chemical Properties of Sandy Soil Under Chili Plants in Erosion-prone Areas, Ternate, Indonesia

Krishna Aji — 2025-06-11

Sandy soils are characterized by their loose texture, low water-holding capacity, and generally low organic matter content, all of which significantly influence soil chemical properties. Soil chemistry serves as a critical indicator of soil fertility and directly affects plant productivity. This study aimed to analyze both the morphological characteristics and the changes in chemical properties of sandy soils cultivated with chili plants in erosion-prone areas. A descriptive quantitative method was employed, with soil samples collected before planting and after harvest. Sampling followed the standards outlined in the USDA Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils. The chemical parameters analyzed included soil pH (H₂O), soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus (P₂O₅), and potassium (K₂O). The results indicated measurable changes in all tested soil chemical properties. The sandy soils in the study area were clas sified as Inceptisols, distinguished by horizon differentiation observed in the subsoil layer. Post-harvest analysis revealed increases in organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus levels, while pH and potassium concentrations decreased. These findings suggest that agricultural activity in erosion-prone sandy soils can influence nutrient dynamics, potentially supporting sustainable vegetative conservation practices. Appropriate land management strategies—such as the incorporation of organic matter, implementation of terracing, and adoption of agroforestry systems are strongly recommended to mitigate soil degradation and enhance agricultural productivity. Furthermore, this study supports the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal’s (SDGs) 15, which advocates for sustainable land use to combat soil degradation and promote ecosystem resilience.

Growth and Yield Performance of Cayenne Peppers in Ultisols

Dila Angraini — 2025-06-11

Cayenne peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are horticultural commodities with high economic value and increasing market demand, both for household consumption and large-scale processing industries. However, cayenne pepper productivity in Indonesia remains relatively low, partly due to the limited availability of fertile land. One potential solution to this problem is the utilization of marginal lands, including ultisols. Ultisols possess chemical characteristics that are less favorable for optimal plant growth, such as low pH, poor nutrient content, and high aluminum saturation. There fore, this study aimed to obtain information on cayenne pepper genotypes that can adapt well and produce optimally on ultisols. The research was conducted at the Experimental Garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, from May to October 2023, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Observed parameters included plant height, first dichotomous height, stem diameter, number of dichotomous points, total leaf area, shoot dry weight, stomatal density, days to first harvest, number of fruits per plant, fruit length and diameter, fruit weight per plant, and percentage of marketable fruits. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at a 5% significance level and followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the same level. The results indicated significant differences among genotypes in most growth and yield parameters. The genotypes ‘Iggo’ and ‘Lajang’ exhibited superior performance, with the highest dry biomass weight and the highest fruit weight per plant. These findings suggest that the ‘Iggo’ and ‘Lajang’ genotypes hold strong potential for cultivation on Ultisol soils to support sustainable national cayenne peppers production improvement.

Yield Performance of Sorghum Varieties Treated With Organic Fertilizer in Sumbawa Regency

Yusuf Bajhir — 2025-06-11

Sorghum is an ancient grain that has good performance and adaptation in extreme condition. The crop is a stress-resilient crop with highly productive NADP-ME type C4 photosynthesis and highly efficient nitrogen and water utilization. Sorghum also requires relatively less water than other important cereals such as maize and wheat. Sorghum cultivation is very suitable to be carried out in Sumbawa Regency because it has the characteristic of low rainfall. The most common obstacle that occurs in sorghum cultivation is not being able to maximize plant genetics and existing nutrients, so that plant yields are low. One of them is by applying organic fertilizer. The interest in the use of organic fertilizers is increasing due to polluting effects of chemical fertilizers in the aerial and soil environment and gradual decline in the soil fertility. The aim of this study was to determine the yield of plants with different doses of organic fertilizers and sorghum varieties in Sumbawa Regency. This research used Split Plot Design consisting of two plots. The main plot three sorghum varieties were evaluated including V₁ = Bioguma, V₂ = GBE Methane, and V₃ = Sweetbetty. The subplot is the application of solid organic fertilizer including T₀ = control, T₁ = 50 g plant^-1, T₂ = 100 g plant^-1, and T₃ = 200 g plant^-1. This study had 3 replications and 36 experimental units. The results show that organic fertilizer application doses can cause significant differences in root weight, dry weight, fresh weight, grain weight/plant, weight 1000 grains, productivity, panicle length, and flowering age. Then, different types of sorghum also cause significant differences in grain weight per plant, weight of 1000 grains, and productivity. The best productivity is found at 200 g plant^-1 of organic fertilizer. Optimal fertilizer application produces better grain.