Background and Methodology

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 14 views

Characteristics of Soil Fertility in the Paddy Fields of Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency

Soil fertility is a crucial factor in determining the productivity of agricultural land, particularly in paddy fields. The characteristics of soil fertility in the paddy fields of Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency, have been the subject of various studies. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the chemical properties of paddy soils in the area, with the ultimate goal of determining the status of rice fertility.

Background and Methodology

The study was conducted in the Research and Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, from April to July 2020. A total of 18 samples of paddy soil were taken as research material using purposive random sampling. The data analysis was carried out using several methods, including soil pH using the electrometry method, the content of organic matter with the walkley and black methods, total nitrogen with the kjeldahl method, phosphorus (P) is available using the bray method II, as well as cation exchange capacity (KTK) with NH4 OAC extraction method pH 7.

Results and Discussion

The results of the study showed that the pH of rice fields in Percut Sei Tuan District was quite sour to sour. The organic carbon content (C) was very low, while total nitrogen (N) was also relatively low. Conversely, P was available in rice fields was relatively high, although the CTK shows a low category. Overall, the status of paddy soil fertility in this area was categorized as very low to low. However, in the rice fields of Sei Rotan and Percut Village, its fertility status can be categorized as moderate, which is caused by high availability of P.

Soil pH

Soil pH is a critical factor in determining the availability of nutrients for plant growth. Most rice plants grow well at pH between 5.5 to 7.0. Acid pH conditions can inhibit plant growth by affecting nutrient availability. The pH of the soil in Percut Sei Tuan District was quite sour to sour, which may have implications for rice plant growth.

Organic Carbon Content

The organic carbon content (C) was very low, indicating the lack of organic matter in the soil. This can have implications for the ability of the soil in maintaining moisture and providing nutrition for plants. Good soil management, such as the addition of organic fertilizer, needs to be applied to increase the content of organic matter.

Total Nitrogen

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth. With a low total N category, there needs to be an intervention in the form of adding nitrogen fertilizer to support optimal rice growth.

Cation Exchange Capacity (KTK)

The CTK shows a low category, which may have implications for the ability of the soil in retaining nutrients. This needs to be considered because it can affect long-term productivity.

Recommendations

Based on these findings, recommendations can be given to farmers in Percut Sei Tuan District to practice better soil management, such as the addition of appropriate organic materials and fertilizers. This is expected to increase soil fertility and rice productivity in this area. Thus, understanding the characteristics of more in-depth soil fertility will be the key to increasing agricultural output in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics of soil fertility in paddy fields. The results of the study showed that the pH of rice fields in Percut Sei Tuan District was quite sour to sour, the organic carbon content was very low, and the total nitrogen was relatively low. However, the availability of P was relatively high, although the CTK shows a low category. The study recommends that farmers in Percut Sei Tuan District practice better soil management, such as the addition of appropriate organic materials and fertilizers, to increase soil fertility and rice productivity in this area.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include conducting more in-depth studies on the characteristics of soil fertility in paddy fields, as well as exploring the effects of different soil management practices on soil fertility and rice productivity. Additionally, research on the use of organic amendments and fertilizers to improve soil fertility and rice productivity is also recommended.

Limitations of the Study

The study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited scope of the study. Future studies should aim to increase the sample size and scope of the study to provide more comprehensive insights into the characteristics of soil fertility in paddy fields.

Implications for Agricultural Policy

The study has implications for agricultural policy, particularly in the context of soil fertility management. The study highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics of soil fertility in paddy fields and the need for farmers to practice better soil management to increase soil fertility and rice productivity.

References

[1] Walkley, A., & Black, I. A. (1934). An examination of the Degtjareff method for determining soil organic matter, and a proposed modification of the chromic acid titration method. Soil Science, 37(1), 29-38.
[2] Bray, R. H., & Kurtz, L. T. (1945). Determination of total, organic, and available phosphorus in soils. Soil Science, 59(2), 39-46.
[3] Kjeldahl, J. (1883). Neue Methode zur mikrochemischen Bestimmung des Stickstoffs in organischen Verbindungen. Zeitschrift für analytische Chemie, 22(1), 366-382.

Appendix

The appendix includes additional information on the methods used in the study, as well as the results of the data analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Soil Fertility in Paddy Fields

Q: What is soil fertility, and why is it important for paddy fields?

A: Soil fertility refers to the ability of soil to support plant growth and productivity. It is a critical factor in determining the productivity of paddy fields, as it affects the availability of nutrients for plant growth.

Q: What are the characteristics of soil fertility in paddy fields?

A: The characteristics of soil fertility in paddy fields include pH, organic carbon content, total nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity (KTK). These factors affect the availability of nutrients for plant growth and the overall productivity of the paddy field.

Q: What is the ideal pH range for paddy fields?

A: The ideal pH range for paddy fields is between 5.5 and 7.0. A pH outside of this range can affect the availability of nutrients for plant growth and reduce productivity.

Q: Why is organic carbon content important for paddy fields?

A: Organic carbon content is important for paddy fields because it affects the ability of the soil to retain moisture and provide nutrients for plant growth. A low organic carbon content can reduce soil fertility and productivity.

Q: What is the role of nitrogen in paddy fields?

A: Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth in paddy fields. It is involved in the synthesis of amino acids, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll, and is necessary for plant growth and productivity.

Q: How can farmers improve soil fertility in paddy fields?

A: Farmers can improve soil fertility in paddy fields by using organic amendments, such as compost or manure, and fertilizers, such as nitrogen-based fertilizers. They can also use conservation tillage and cover cropping to reduce soil erosion and improve soil health.

Q: What are the benefits of improving soil fertility in paddy fields?

A: Improving soil fertility in paddy fields can increase crop yields, improve water retention, and reduce soil erosion. It can also reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides, and improve the overall health of the soil.

Q: How can farmers monitor soil fertility in paddy fields?

A: Farmers can monitor soil fertility in paddy fields by testing the soil for pH, organic carbon content, total nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity (KTK). They can also use visual indicators, such as soil color and texture, to assess soil fertility.

Q: What are the challenges of improving soil fertility in paddy fields?

A: The challenges of improving soil fertility in paddy fields include the high cost of organic amendments and fertilizers, the limited availability of these inputs, and the need for specialized knowledge and skills to apply them effectively.

Q: How can farmers overcome the challenges of improving soil fertility in paddy fields?

A: Farmers can overcome the challenges of improving soil fertility in paddy fields by using locally available organic amendments and fertilizers, seeking advice from extension agents and other experts, and adopting conservation tillage and cover cropping practices.

Q: What is the role of government and extension services in improving soil fertility in paddy fields?

A: Government and extension services play a critical role in improving soil fertility in paddy fields by providing training and education to farmers, promoting the use of organic amendments and fertilizers, and providing technical assistance and support to farmers.

Q: How can farmers access information and resources to improve soil fertility in paddy fields?

A: Farmers can access information and resources to improve soil fertility in paddy fields through government and extension services, online resources, and local agricultural organizations. They can also seek advice from other farmers and experts in the field.

Q: What are the long-term benefits of improving soil fertility in paddy fields?

A: The long-term benefits of improving soil fertility in paddy fields include increased crop yields, improved water retention, reduced soil erosion, and improved soil health. These benefits can lead to increased food security, improved livelihoods, and sustainable agriculture practices.