EVALUASI STATUS HARA DAN SIFAT KIMIA TANAH PADA LAHAN BUDIDAYA SALAK MERAH DI DESA RIRING, KABUPATEN SERAM BAGIAN BARAT

Abstract

Soil nutrient availability is a key factor influencing the productivity and sustainability of red snake fruit cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate soil nutrient status and selected chemical properties in red snake fruit cultivation areas in Riring Village, Taniwel District, West Seram Regency, Indonesia. A quantitative descriptive approach was applied through field surveys and laboratory analyses. Soil samples were purposively collected from four cultivation sites representing red snake fruit production areas. The analyzed soil properties comprised total nitrogen (N), determined using the Kjeldahl method; available phosphorus (P), determined using the Bray I method; exchangeable potassium (K), extracted with 1 N NH₄OAc; organic carbon (C-organic), determined using the Walkley–Black method; and soil pH, measured electrometrically in H₂O and 1 N KCl. The results revealed substantial variation in soil chemical properties among cultivation sites. Total N ranged from 0.32% to 0.43%, available P from 8.00 to 34.40 ppm, exchangeable K from 0.31 to 1.15 me/100 g, and organic C from 3.15% to 5.70%. Soil pH ranged from 4.2 to 4.8 in 1 N KCl and from 4.5 to 5.2 in H₂O, indicating consistently acidic conditions across the cultivation sites. The marked spatial variability in nutrient status indicates that soil fertility constraints are not uniform across red snake fruit cultivation areas. These findings provide baseline information for developing site-specific soil fertility management, particularly nutrient management and soil acidity amelioration, to support the productivity and long-term sustainability of red snake fruit cultivation in Riring Village.