CC BY
64
DOI 10.18551/rjoas.2019-10.02
LAND SUITABILITY BASED ON SPECIFIC LOCATIONS FOR SAGO PALM (METROXYLON SP.) IN RAINFED DRYLANDS IN THE SALU PAKU SUB-WATERSHED, THE RONGKONG UPSTREAM WATERSHED, NORTH LUWU REGENCY OF SOUTH SULAWESI, INDONESIA
Yumna*
Doctoral Program of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Brawijaya,
Indonesia
Prijono Sugeng, Kusuma Zaenal, Soemarno
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Brawijaya, Indonesia
*E-mail: yumnaunanda@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This research aims to describe the characteristics of sago plantations and sago development plans, analyze land suitability for sago by considering site-specific conditions and determine suitability classes of S1/highly suitable, S2/moderately suitable, S3/marginally suitable, and N/not suitable, and evaluate suitability classes for sago development in the Salu Paku sub-watershed. The land was evaluated in detail based on elevation and slope. The land evaluation procedure employed the matching method. Land characteristics identified were rainfall, humidity, temperature, sunshine, solar radiation, drainage conditions, soil texture, root depth, optimal pH and C-Organic, bulk density, and moisture content. Site-specific land suitability criteria indicate that temperatures >29°C are not optimal for sago production in general, but are still optimal for local sago (production of 210.5 - 560.89 kg/tree). Actual suitability analysis results show that the Salu Paku sub-watershed has a moderately suitable (S2) area of 1,889.61 ha and a not suitable (N) area of 440.24 ha. Suitability classes can be upgraded to potential suitability classes from S2 to S1 (116.95 ha) and N to S2 (437.89 ha). The limiting factors in land units (S2) are water content, C-organic, bulk density, and temperature. An input to improve land suitability is through water management by increasing groundwater through an increase in infiltration capacity by making terraces, ponds, and dead-end trenches.
KEY WORDS
Land suitability, land use, hydrology, soil properties, elevation, land characteristic, watershed.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projected world population to increase from seven billion in 2010 to nine billion in 2050 (Gerland et al., 2014; Girsang, 2018). Rapid population growth has an impact on per capita food consumption increase (Konuma, 2018). Global food demand will increase as well (Bernes-Lee et al., 2018) and is estimated to increase by 60-70% (Henry et al., 2018; Girsang, 2018). Population growth and food security are challenges for human development in the world (Singhal et al., 2008; Tomlinson, 2013), especially in developing countries (Prosekov & Ivanova, 2018) such as Indonesia. These issues encourage policymakers, scientists, and industry players to actively search for alternative food sources. Some researchers have high hopes for sago (Metroxylon spp) in responding to the global food crisis (Yamamoto, 2018; Suyastri et al., 2018). Indonesia contributes to 55 percent of the world's sago (Kurnia, 2017).
Indonesia has quite high potential for sago (Konuma, 2018). Sago land areas reach 219,978 ha with a productivity of 2.23 tons/ha/year. The main distributions of sago land areas in Indonesia are Maluku, Papua, Sulawesi, Sumatra, and Kalimantan. Most areas of sago are natural forests of around 1,067,590 ha (90.3%) and traditionally cultivated or semi-cultivated sago areas of only around 114,000 ha (9.7%) (Budianto, 2003 in Manaroinsong et
al., 2018). South Sulawesi has a potential sago area (10,000 ha), but only 4,383 ha has been used with low productivity of 0.60 tons/ha/year (The Estate Crop Statistics of Indonesia, 2017). The Indonesian Sago Utilization Association said that national sago production is around 489,643 tons per year, while the need for sago flour is around 1 million tons per year (Food Security Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, 2018). The data is an indicator of sago development in Indonesia.
Sago habitat is still predominantly in natural forests and grows in wetlands such as river banks and muddy lands (Botanri et al. (2011), marsh and peat soils (Mofu et al., 2005), and freshwater swamps (Flach, 1997; McClatchey et al., 2006; Ehara, 2005). Habitat conditions influence sago growth and sago productivity (Azhar et al., 2018). Botanri et al. (2011) examined differences in sago plants growing in drylands and wetlands and showed that sago production is higher in drylands. Sago production in drylands can reach 343 kg/tree, whereas wetlands (submerged roots) produce an average of 125 kg/tree (Leuhenapessy, 1996). Low production per tree will reduce sago productivity. Photosynthesis influence this condition. Photosynthetic capacity is higher in drylands than in wet and inundated lands (Azhar et al., 2018) because stagnant lands cause a decrease in chlorophyll (Vu and Yelenosky, 1991). Sago plant growth is faster in drylands, causing it to be more capable of utilizing sunlight for metabolism (Flach, 1991). Metabolic processes are more inhibited in stagnant lands because high pH (Alkaline) inhibits the formation of trunks and leaves (Flach and Schuiling, 1988). Low sago productivity in stagnant lands is the effect of tiller dominance. Sago plants dominated by seedlings and tillers have a very high failure rate (85%) to form stems (Botanri et al., 2011).
Sago land area of 1,453.08 ha in the Rongkong watershed is mostly distributed in lowland wetlands (downstream part of the watershed). The average productivity is 1,917.45 kg/ha per year (Department of Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantations of North Luwu, 2017). The data shows that if one sago tree has an average of 200 kg/tree of sago starch (sago farmer survey results), it means that only about 10 stems per ha per year reach productive age. This number is very low when compared with Botanri et al.'s (2011) identification results for sago in drylands in Seram Maluku (578.74 kg/tree). The ideal condition of sago productivity is 20-25 tons/ha (Ahmad, 2014; Leomo et al., 2016). Based on the guidelines for the cultivation of sago palm, with a planting distance of 10 meters in 1 ha, ideally there will be 100 sago trees per period reaching the mature phase. It indicates that very few sago trees growing in the Rongkong watershed reaches the mature phase, generally dominated by the seedling and sapling phases.
Sago extensification is an effort to increase productivity. Extensification means the expansion of sago land area in rainfed drylands of the Rongkong upstream watershed, precisely in the Salu Paku sub-watershed. Sago palm cultivation will improve soil conditions, while at the same time respond to the environmental problems in the Rongkong River Basin, i.e. periodic flood events. The research results of the Integrated Rongkong Watershed Management Plan showed that floods occur every year and major floods occur every ten years. The recent data showed major floods occurred in June 2018. Floods in the downstream part of the Rongkong watershed are caused by a combination of high rainfall and watershed morphology. The Rongkong watershed is located in the highlands and dominated with steep and very steep slopes (70%). The Salu Paku sub-watershed is the upstream part of the Rongkong watershed. This area contributes to downstream water and erosion (Saddang Watershed Management Center, 2011). These problems can be minimized by planting sago because sago has a fibrous root system. The fibrous root system has the potential to absorb and store water in rainfed areas. Consideration of productivity and environmental improvement in the watershed is a strong reason to plant sago in rainfed highlands in the Rongkong upstream watershed.
Bintoro (2008) stated that sago can grow well at an elevation of 400 m above sea level, even at an elevation of 700 m above sea level to 1000 m above sea level (Flach, 1977). However, the research results are still too general to be applied to the research location. Data has not shown land characteristics and suitability in detail at every change in elevation. Sago planting plans in these land conditions require more detailed data support on the
characteristics of the Salu Paku sub-watershed, the Rongkong upstream watershed, North Luwu Regency. Sago growth requirements (Bintoro, 2018) which form the basic criteria of land suitability in several classes are still general. Site-specific criteria are important because sago in the research location is different from other regions. Land characteristics also vary regarding sago growth, so data on some local sago plantations are needed. Detailed data is also obtained by identifying land characteristics in land units by considering the topography (elevation and slope).
This research aims to 1) describe sago growth requirements and sago plantation characteristics in South Sulawesi, 2) compile site-specific criteria for sago land suitability by considering sago growth requirements and local sago plantation characteristics, 3) describe land characteristics of rainfed drylands in the Salu Paku sub-watershed, the Rongkong upstream watershed, North Luwu Regency, and 4) analyze the level of land suitability for rainfed dryland sago plantations in the Salu Paku sub-watershed, the Rongkong upstream watershed based on site-specific criteria. The analysis results become a reference in developing a rainfed dryland sago management strategy.
METHODS OF RESEARCH
Research locations included several administrative areas (Luwu Regency, Palopo City, and North Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi). The research location of land characteristics for sago development plans focused at the Salu Paku sub-watershed in the Rongkong upstream watershed, Sabbang District, North Luwu Regency. The Salu Paku sub-watershed was chosen as the research location because it contributed greatly to the Rongkong watershed performance. The Salu Paku sub-watershed has an area of 13,626 ha (21.7% of the Rongkong watershed area) which is geographically located at 2°37'0"-2°42'0" South Latitude and 119°55'0'-120°6.5'0" East Longitude. This area consists of several elevation variations ranging from 201 m above sea level to >1000 m above sea level (Figure 1).
Soil sampling was done intentionally on all land units. The elevation map overlay with slope maps produced 23 land units (Figures 1 and 2). Sampling prioritized shrub cover, mixed gardens, and rice fields. Forest condition is still tightly closed so it is not the target of sago land development plans. Land units as sampling areas consisted of 23 units/areas, i.e.: Area 1; 201-300 m MSL with flat condition (12.50 ha), Area 2; 201-300 m MSL with sloping condition (3.42 ha), Area 3; 201-300 m MSL with rather steep condition (13.32 ha), Area 4; 201-300 m MSL with steep condition (1.78 ha), Area 5; 201-300 m MSL with very steep condition (1.11 ha), Area 6; 301-400 m MSL with flat condition (55.17 ha), Area 7; 301-400 m MSL with sloping condition (45.86 ha), Area 8; 301-400 m mSl with rather steep condition (105.65), Area 9; 301-400 m MSL with steep condition (36.74 ha), Area 10; 301-400 m MSL with very steep condition (1.20 ha), Area 11; 401-500 m above sea level with flat condition (60.91 ha), Area 12; 401-500 m MSL with sloping condition (103.61 ha), Area 13; 401-500 m MSL with rather steep condition (229.87 ha), Area 14; 401-500 m MSL with steep condition (99.43 ha), Area 15; 401-500 m MSL with very steep condition (0.04 ha), Area 16; 501-600 m MSL with flat condition (35.26 ha), Area 17; 501-600 m MSL with sloping condition (151.63 ha), Area 18; 501-600 m MSL with rather steep condition (378.47 ha), Area 19; 501-600 m MSL with steep condition (131.65 ha), Area 20; 601-700 m MSL with flat condition (32.72 ha), Area 21; 601-700 m MSL with sloping condition (191.89 ha), Area 22; 601-700 m MSL with rather steep condition (469.33 ha), and Area 23; 601-700 m MSL with steep condition (168.29 ha). Area designation took into account the maximum elevation requirements for sago of 0-700 m MSL (Bintoro, 2018). Soil samples were taken in three layers, i.e. the 0-30 cm, 30-60, and 60-100 cm layers. The profile depth was determined based on the depth of the dry land sago plant of about 85 cm (Flach, 1997).
Soil samples were analyzed at three institutions, i.e. the Soil Physics Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, the Soil Physics Laboratory, Brawijaya University, Malang, and the Soil Mechanics Laboratory, Andi Djemma Palopo University. Soil properties analysis included Bulk Density, pH, C-organic, texture, and moisture content. Bulk Density was determined using cylinder method, soil pH was
determined using a pH meter, C-organic was determined using the Walkley-Black Method, texture was determined using the Hydrometer Method, moisture content was determined using the Gravimetric Method, and salinity was determined using the Electrical Conductivity Method. Data collection on soil properties was technically based on guidelines set by Bogor Soil Research Institute (2005).
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Figure 1 - The elevation map of the Salu Paku sub-watershed
Figure 2 - The slope map of the Salu Paku sub-watershed
Sago growth requirements as a reference were obtained through literature review (field test results by previous researchers i.e. Flach, 1997; Leuhenapessy, 2010; Bintoro, 2018; Nusawakan et al, 2017; Haeruddin, 2018) and compiled with local sago land characteristics data (survey results of sago lands in Palopo City, Luwu Regency, and North Luwu Regency, 2018) and interviews with sago farmers. Compilation results determined the suitability criteria for site-specific sago lands. Land suitability criteria were decided based on the production index expressed in percentages of optimal production, i.e. highly suitable/S1 (> 80% of
optimal production), moderately suitable/S2 (60-80%), marginally suitable/S3 (40-59%), and Not suitable/N (<40%), based on the FAO Framework (1983). Land suitability assessment used the matching method between land characteristics and site-specific land suitability criteria (Rossister, 1996; Girmay et al., 2018) and determination of suitability classes based on limiting factors.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Sago growth requirements are presented in Table 1. Identification results of land characteristics in some sago plantations in South Sulawesi (2018 survey) are presented in Table 2 while identification results of land characteristics in some sago plantations in the Rongkong watershed (2018 survey) are presented in Table 3.
Table 1 - Metroxylon sp. growth requirements for optimal growth and production (Bintoro, 2014; Leuhenapessy, 1996; Flach, 1997)
No. Land Characteristic Sago (Metroxylon sp.) growth requirements
A. Hydrology/Climate:
1. Rainfall 2000 - 4000 mm/year
2. Humidity 40 - 90%
3. Total dry months Max 2 months in a row
4. Total wet months 4 - 9 months in a row
5. Total rainy days 142 - 209 days per year
6. Average temperature 15° - 29°C
7. Solar radiation quite high (900 J cm-2 day-1)
8. Drainage Very good - very bad
B. Land and Soil Properties:
1. Topography flat until bumpy
2. Rock material 0 - 30%
3. pH 3.5 - 6.5
4. C-Organic 0 - 30%
5. Salinity No salinity
6. Texture broad-spectrum ranging from the soil with clay composition >70% to sandy (all classes of
texture (clay - sandy)
7. Ground color black, brown, red, gray
C. Production:
Optimal Production 200 - >400 kg/tree (2-4 tons/ha)
Source: Secondary data (literature review).
Table 2 - Land Characteristics of Sago Plantations in Luwu Regency and Palopo City,
South Sulawesi (2018)
No. Land Characteristic Area I Area II
A. Land Shape:
1. Elevation (m MSL) 90-500 0-15
2. Slope ramps - very steep ramps - flat
B. Climate:
1. Rainfall (mm/year) 1067 - 3768 2110
2. Average temperature (C) 15-23 25-30
3. Dry months (months) 2 - 3 2 - 3
4. Wet months (months) 6-7 6-7
5. Total rainy days (days) 281 280
C. Hydrology:
6. Inundation time (months) 3-6 <3
7. Inundation height during the rainy season (cm) (+) <10 (+) 21.92
8. Inundation height during the dry season (cm (-) 20-50 (-) 61,75
D. Soil:
1. pH 4.4 - 5.8 4.4 - 5.5
2. C-organic (%) 0.98 - 2.04 2.01-3.00
3. Land Depth (cm) 0-100 0-60
4. Salinity No salinity No salinity
5. Texture Clay, silty sand silty clay; silty loam
E. Plants:
1. Plant height at productive age (m) 10.4 -
2. Average diameter (cm) 45.8 159.85
3. Estimated production (kg/Tree) 162.4 560.89
Note: Area I: Two villages in Bajo Barat Regency, Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi (Survey, 2018); Area II: Salubattang Village, Palopo City, South Sulawesi (Haeruddin, 2018).
Table 3 - Land characteristics of sago plantations under dry and wet conditions in North Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi (Survey, 2018)
No. Land Characteristic Dryland Wetland
A. Hydrology/Climate:
1. Average Rainfall (mm) 2659 mm/year 2659 mm/year
2. Humidity (%) 77 - 84% 77 - 84%
3. Dry months (months) 2-3 months in a row 2-3 months in a row
4. Wet months (months) 7 - 8 months in a row 7 - 8 months in a row
5. Total of rainy days (days) 282 rainy days in a year 282 rainy days in a year
6. Average temperature © 30°C 35°C
7. Solar radiation 13.1 - 21.1 (MJ m2/day) 13.1 - 21.1 (MJ m2/day)
8. Sunshine (hours) 3.6 - 7.5 hours 3.6 - 7.5 hours
9. Drainage Very good Bad - very bad
10. Inundation height (water table) (-) 60-100 cm (when it rains) (+) 20 - 60 cm (3-6 month)
B. Land and Soil:
1. Topography/slope Ramps (8-10%) Flat (0-3%)
2. Rock material 0 - 10% 0%
3. Root Depth 0-80 cm 0-60 cm
4. pH 5.1 - 6.6 5.1 - 5.7
5. C-Organic 0.68 - 1.85% 1.22 - 1.78%
6. Salinity 0.4 - 2.3 dS/m 2,4 dS/m
7. Bulk Density 1.12 - 1.39 g/cm3 1.02 - 1.02 g/cm3
8. Water content 0.23 - 0.45 cm3/cm3 0.33-0.51 m3/cm3
9. Texture Loam, clay loam, silty clay loam, sandy clay loam, loamy sand, Silty clay loam, clay, silty clay,
sandy loam, silty loam clay loam
10. Soil color brown, gray Black, gray
C. Sago Plant Conditions:
1. Number of tillers/seedlings An average of 3-5 trees 8-10 trees
2. Tree height (8 years old) An average of 8 meters 5 meters
3. Rod diameter 75 cm 60 cm
4. Average estimated production 263.16 kg 210.53 kg
Source: Primary data (survey in the Rongkong watershed, 2019).
Compilation results of sago growth requirements and sago land characteristics in the
research location resulted in site-specific land suitability criteria (Table 4).
Table 4 - Site-specific land suitability criteria for sago (Metroxylon sp.)
No. Land Use Requirement/Land Land suitability classes
Characteristic S1 S2 S3 N
A. Land Shape:
1. Elevation (m MSL) 0 - 400 401 - 600 600 - 700 >700
2. Slope (%) 0 - 8 9 - 15 16 - 35 > 35
B. Climate:
1. Rainfall (mm year-1) 2500 - 3500 2001 - 2499 & 3501 - 3750 1500 - 2000 & <1500 &
3751 - 4000 >4000
2. Humidity (%) 77,0 - 90% 58,5 - 76,5 40,0 - 58,4 <40 & >90
3. Dry months (months) < 2 2 - 3 3 - 4 >4
4. Wet months (month) 8 - 9 6 - 7 3 - 5 <3
5. Rainy days (days) 198 - 226 171 - 199 & 142 - 170 & <142 & >282
227 - 253 254 - 282
6. Average temperature (C) 25 - 30 20 - 25 & 30 - 33 15 - 20 & 34 - 36 <15 &>36
7. Solar radiation (MJ m2 day-1) 16,3 - 17,9 14,7 - 16,2 & 13,1 - 14,6 & <13,1 &
18,0 - 19,5 19,6 - 21,1 >21,1
8. Sunshine (hours) 5,2 - 5,9 4,4 - 5,1 & 3,6 - 4,3 & <3,6 & >7,5
6,0 - 6,7 6,8 - 7,5
C. Hydrology:
1. Inundation time (months) <3 3 - 6 6 - 9 > 9
2. Inundation height (cm) (+)<30 (+)30 - 50 (+)30 - 50 cm (+)>50 cm
3. Inundation height (cm) in the dry (-)60 - 80 (-)20 - 50 (-)10 - (+)10 (+)>10
season
D. Soil Properties:
1. Rock material (%) <10 10 - 20 21 - 30 > 30
2. Root Depth (cm) 0 - 100 0 - 60 0 - 50 0 - < 50
3. pH 4,7 - 5,3 4,1 - 4,6 & 3,5 - 4,0 & <3,5 & >6,6
5,3 - 5,9 6.0 - 6,6
4. C-Organic (%) >1,50 1,0 - 1,49 0,50 - 0,99 < 0,99
5. Salinity (dS m-1) 0 - 4,5 4,5 - 9,0 9,0 - 18,0 >18,0
6. Bulk Density (g cm-3) 1,12 - 1,39 0,98 - 1,11 & 0,85 - 0,97 & < 0,85 &
1,40 - 1,53 1,54 - 1,67 >1,67
7. Moisture content (cm cm-3) 0,34 - 0,45 0,23 - 0,33 & 0,56 - 0,68 <0,23 &
0,46 - 0,55 >0,68
8. Texture Loam, clay loam, silty clay loam, sandy clay loam, loamy Silt, clay, sand -_sand, sandy loam, silty loam._
Note: the compilation of sago growth requirements (Bintoro, 2014; Leuhenapessy, 2012, & Flach, 1997), with survey results of sago land characteristics in the location (2018).
Sago growth requirements include climate, hydrology, land shape, and soil properties as can be seen in detail in Table 1. These growth requirements are determined by the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia Year 2014. These indicators serve as guidelines in gathering data on land characteristics in several sago plantations in South Sulawesi. The research area has the same ecosystem as the sago development plans (the Rongkong watershed). Climate and hydrological indicators include several parameters, i.e. rainfall, total rainy days, wet months, dry months, humidity, temperature, exposure time, solar radiation, sunshine, and drainage conditions. Land and soil characteristics include height, topography/slope, land cover, rock material, pH of root depth, C-organic, bulk density, soil moisture content, texture, and soil color (Tables 2 and 3). Rainfall is the only source of water in rainfed lands (Birhanu et al., 2018) which will determine the availability of groundwater (Al-Taai et al., 2014) for sago growth (Prathumyot et al., 2018; Okazaki et al., 2018). Hydrological conditions are also influenced by climate and meteorological factors, such as temperature (Porter et al., 2018), humidity (Uber et al.,
2018), wind speed, solar radiation, and exposure time (Leomo et al., 2016; Forootan et al.,
2019). These parameters influence water movement and plant metabolic processes (Qaderi et al., 2019).
Sago growing in the Rongkong watershed is the thornless type of sago known as "molat sago" (Metroxylon sago Rottb). The site-specific approach was performed by collecting data on land characteristics of sago plantations in South Sulawesi. Hydrological parameters become a priority in identifying sago plantations because hydrological parameters are directly related to climate characteristics (Wang et al., 2019), soil (Uddin et al., 2019), water availability for plants, and metabolic processes, especially plant nutrient absorption (Wan et al., 2019; Brotherton et al., 2019).
Sago palms grow in a fairly wide range of climatic conditions (Flach, 1996; Bintoro, 2008). Rainfall needed by sago palms (Table 1) according to Oldeman climate types includes the rather wet, wet, and very wet climate categories. These climate types are the same as the local sago plantation climate (Tables 2 and 3). The third characteristic of these parameters is an indication that sago requires quite a lot of water. Humidity presented in Table 1 shows a very high value in sago growth areas (40-90%), while local sago areas (Tables 2 and 3) has a smaller value (77-84%). Temperature needed by sago palms based on Flach (1997) is lower and smaller (15-29oC) when compared to the sago plantation conditions in the research location (15-35oC). Differences in the characteristics of hydrological parameters between sago requirements in general and local sago plantations are caused by various types of sago. Similar results are obtained for the climate parameter. Sago at the research location is the thornless type of sago, whereas sago in general research object is the thorny type of sago (Metroxylon sago Rumphii).
Soil parameters influencing sago growth are pH, C-organic, salinity, bulk density, moisture content, and texture. The effect of pH on sago growth is shown in plant responses in utilizing soil nutrients (Couto, 2018). The pHs at the observation location are acidic, slightly acidic, and neutral. Acidic conditions are ideal for optimal sago production (Okazaki and Sasaki, 2018) and influence the quality of sago starch (Lim et al., 2019). The C-organic content is also one of the important soil parameters for sago. The ideal C-Organic according to Bintoro et al., (2018) is >18%. However, in the C-organic condition of 2-3%, local sago soil is still able to produce optimally. It is evidenced by the production of 560.89 kg/tree. The obstacle of agriculture today, especially lands located on the coast, is its salinity. Salinity stress causes damage to physiological functions of the root in absorbing nutrients for plants. However, this condition has no significant effect on sago if rainfall is high as in the research location. Salinity in the observation location is in the very low category (not a copy). Other soil parameters such as bulk density and texture influence water availability for plants. It is important because sago is expected not only to grow in wetlands but also in drylands. The importance of bulk density in increasing groundwater content is also confirmed by Xing et al. (2018). Other parameters for sago growth are soil conditions and soil properties (Okazaki et al., 2018; Bintoro et al., 2018; Ehara et al., 2018). Flach (1997) explains that sago can grow in various topographic conditions, ranging from flat, bumpy, to mountainous topography.
Identification of land characteristics showed several parameters with the same values in the observation area (23 units) in the Salu Paku sub-watershed, the Rongkong watershed, North Luwu Regency. Data referred to are climatology and meteorology data such as rainfall (2889 mm/year), humidity (82%), wet months (7-8 months), dry months (2-3 months), total of rainy days (282 per year), sunshine (5-6 hours), and solar radiation (13.1-21.1 MJ m2 day-1). Land characteristics have similar average value because they are in the same ecosystem. However, several land characteristics parameters have different values due to the influence of elevation and slope.
The overlay results of elevation and slope obtained 23 land units. Elevation and slope influence soil properties (Zinn et al., 2018). Slope and elevation influence plant growth and production (Nabiollahi et al., 2018; Wolka et al., 2018). The climate characteristics of the sago development plans are basically the same for all land units, i.e. the average annual rainfall of 2889 mm/year, longer wet months than dry months, high humidity, and sufficient solar radiation for metabolic processes. This similarity is caused by its location in the same ecosystem, i.e. the sub-watershed. The temperature parameters also show differences. Temperature tends to decrease by 1°C every time a change in elevation of 100 meters above sea level occurs. This condition shows a close relationship between elevation and temperature (Xu et al., 2015). Hydrology in the research land units indicates a good condition and not inundated. This condition is ideal for sago growth as long as the water in the soil is available for plant metabolic needs (Robbins and Dinneny, 2018; Meineke and Frank, 2018).
Different soil characteristics in some land units are root depth, C-organic content, and specific gravity. Some land units (5, 10, 15) have a shallow root depth predicted to be a limiting factor for plant growth. Shallow soil in the land units is caused by steep and very steep slopes. This slope condition also has an impact on an increase in soil surface erosion processes (Tuo et al., 2018). Groundwater content is still possible to be improved according to sago needs by cutting the slope length to enable rainwater to enter the ground and become groundwater stock.
Table 5 - Land suitability analysis results for sago in 1 to 12 land units
No. Land suitability/ Land characteristic Observation area/Land Unit
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
A. Hydrology/Climate:
1. Rainfall S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
2. Humidity S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
3. Total Wet Months S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
4. Total Dry Months S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
5. Total Rainy Days S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
6. Average temperature S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S2 S2 S2 S2
7. Sunshine S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
8. Solar Radiation S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
9. Drainage S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
B. Land/Soil Properties:
1. Land Use S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
2. Topography/Slope S1 S1 S2 S3 N S1 S1 S2 S3 N S1 S1
3. Rock material S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
4. Root depth S1 S1 S2 S2 N S1 S1 S2 S2 N S1 S1
5. pH S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
6. Salinity S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
7. C-Organic S1 S1 S1 S2 S2 S1 S1 S1 S2 S2 S1 S1
8. Bulk Density S1 S1 S1 S2 S2 S1 S1 S1 S2 S2 S1 S1
9. Groundwater content S2 S2 S2 N N S2 S2 S2 N N S2 S2
10. Texture S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
11. Soil color S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
Actual Suitability S2 S2 S2 N N S2 S2 S2 N N S2 S2
Potential Suitability S1 S1 S2 S2 N S1 S1 S2 S2 N S2 S2
Land suitability analysis results for sago in the Salu Paku sub-watershed, the Rongkong watershed are presented in Tables 5 and 6. Land suitability analysis results in actual and potential land suitability classes. Based on analysis results, locations of sago development plans showed the actual suitability of a Moderately suitable (S2) area of 1,889.61 ha and a Not Suitable (N) area of 440.24 ha. These values are still possible to be
increased to potential suitability, i.e. S2 to S1 and N to S2. Opportunities for changes in land suitability are found in 1, 2, 6, and 7 land units covering an area of 116.95 ha. A change from Not Suitable (N) to S2 is possible in 4, 9, 14, 19, and 23 land units covering an area of 437.89 ha. An input that can be given to change the suitability class is to increase groundwater content through soil surface improvement which can encourage an increase in rainwater infiltration processes (Luna et al., 2018). Some actions that can be taken include making a reservoir and dead-end trenches on flat and gently sloping land. On the sloping land, terraces can be made. Efforts to improve soil water content are predicted to be able to support sago growth and productivity due to optimal soil conditions for photosynthesis (Azhar et al., 2018) and to improve starch quality (Ming, 2018).
Table 6 - Land suitability analysis results for sago in 13 to 23 land units
Land suitability/ _Observation area/Land Unit
NO. Land characteristic 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
A. Hydrology/Climate:
1. Rainfall S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
2. Humidity S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
3. Total Wet Months S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
4. Total Dry Months S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
5. Total Rainy Days S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
6. Average temperature S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2
7. Sunshine S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
8. Solar Radiation S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
9. Drainage S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
B. Land/Soil Properties:
1. Land Use S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
2. Topography/Slope S2 S3 N S1 S1 S2 S3 S1 S1 S2 S3
3. Rock material S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
4. Root depth S2 S2 N S1 S1 S2 S2 S1 S1 S2 S2
5. pH S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
6. Salinity S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
7. C-Organic S1 S2 S2 S1 S1 S1 S2 S1 S1 S1 S2
8. Bulk Density S1 S2 S2 S1 S1 S1 S2 S1 S1 S1 S2
9. Groundwater content S2 N N S2 S2 S2 N S2 S2 S2 N
10. Texture S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
11. Soil color S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S1
Actual Suitability S2 N N S2 S2 S2 N S2 S2 S2 N
Potential Suitability S2 S2 N S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2
Source: Processed primary data, 2019.
Actions to increase water absorption into the soil as a strategy to improve the condition of sago plantations in rainfed drylands also have an impact on improving watershed hydrology. As confirmed by Morbidelli et al. (2018), an increase in water infiltration will automatically reduce surface runoff and further stabilize river water discharges. Reducing water discharges through upstream water regulation can be a solution for downstream flooding (Keesstra et al., 2018).
CONCLUSION
Land characteristics of local sago plantations compiled with sago growth requirements in general produce site-specific suitability criteria and serve as a guide in assessing sago land suitability classes in the locations of sago development plans. The actual land suitability classes showed a moderately suitable (S2) area of 1,889.61 ha and a Not Suitable (N) area of 440.24 ha. The limiting factor for S2 lands is groundwater content, while the limiting factors for not suitable (N) lands are groundwater content, slope, root depth, and temperature. Some land units have a potential suitability class of Class S1 after receiving an input to improve groundwater content. Class N (not suitable) can be upgraded to Class S2 by improving groundwater content. Increased groundwater content can be increased by managing surface soil which can encourage increased infiltration capacity through the manufacture of water bags such as dead-end trenches for flatlands and terraces for sloping lands.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors would like to thank the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Brawijaya, as
the organizer of the Agricultural Science Doctoral Program, in which we continue our studies.
The authors also thank the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education of the
Republic of Indonesia through the Postgraduate Domestic Education Scholarship Program
for financial support.
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