Soil chemical properties of suboptimal dryland in subdistricts of Panji, Kendit, and Kapongan Situbondo Regency for development of cassava (Manihot utilissima L.) cultivation

Abstract

Cassava has an important role as a potential caloric source for the community. Cassava has been known as a plant with wide range adaptability, thus it is very potential to be cultivated in areas with highly variated agro-ecological conditions such as temperate regions, marginal land, and dryland. This research aimed to study the chemical properties of suboptimal dryland in Panji, Kendit and Kapongan Subdistrict, Situbondo Regency for the development of cassava cultivation. The research was carried out by doing surveys and taking soil samples of suboptimal dryland in Subdistricts of Panji, Kendit, and Kapongan. Each subdistrict had 5 locations chosen as site obtaining soil samples. The soil samples were taken at a depth of 20 cm, each soil sample was put into a plastic clip, then was labeled and brought to the Soil Fertility Laboratory for analysis of soil chemical properties. The soil chemical properties analyzed were pH H₂O, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon, total Nitrogen, available Phosphate, and available Kalium. The results showed that the organic carbon, total Nitrogen, and available Phosphate became a limiting factor which belonged to the category of very low to low, with organic carbon of 0.80-1.44%, total Nitrogen of 0.12-0.17% and available Phosphate of 15.21-15.97 ppm. Nevertheless, the soil chemical properties of suboptimal dryland are quite suitable for cassava, however other inputs are needed to the soil by fertilizing the organic matter, Nitrogen, and Phosphate.