Upper and Lower Vegetation Biomass

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 49 views

Introduction

The identification of marginal land characteristics is crucial for sustainable land management and agricultural productivity. In the Lhokseumawe region, particularly in West Reuleut Village, Muara Batu District, North Aceh Regency, understanding the characteristics of marginal land is essential for optimizing land use and increasing agricultural productivity. This study aims to identify the characteristics of marginal land in West Reuleut Village, focusing on soil texture, bulk density, total pore space, soil pH, soil C-organic levels, Cation Exchange Capacity (CTC), ALDD Value of Soil, upper and lower vegetation biomass, and total soil microbial population.

Methodology

This study employed a direct survey method with observations made through sampling of soil from three different locations, each with four replications. The parameters examined include:

Soil Texture

Soil texture is a critical factor in determining the composition of soil particles (sand, dust, and clay). The results showed that the soil texture in West Reuleut Village varied across locations. Location I had a sandy clay texture, while Location II had a sandy clay clay texture. Location III had a sandy clay texture, similar to Location I.

Bulk Density

Bulk density is a measure of how solid the land is. The results showed that Location III had the highest bulk density, indicating a denser soil. This can potentially inhibit plant root growth. Conversely, soil with a lower bulk density can support plant growth by providing space for air and water.

Total Pore Space

Total pore space is an essential factor in assessing the capacity of the soil in collecting water and air. The results showed that Location II had the highest total pore space, indicating a more favorable environment for plant growth.

Soil pH

Soil pH is a critical factor in determining the level of acidity or alkalinity of the soil. The results showed that Location II had the lowest pH value, indicating a more acidic soil. However, this soil also had a high C-organic level and good CTC, which can be beneficial for plant growth.

Soil C-organic Levels

Soil C-organic levels are a measure of the content of organic matter in the soil. The results showed that Location II had the highest C-organic level, indicating a more fertile soil.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CTC)

CTC is a measure of the ability of the soil in holding and supplying nutrition. The results showed that Location II had the highest CTC value, indicating a more favorable environment for plant growth.

ALDD Value of Soil

ALDD Value of Soil is a measure of soil fertility. The results showed that Location II had the highest ALDD value, indicating a more fertile soil.

Upper and Lower Vegetation Biomass

Upper and lower vegetation biomass is a measure of the total mass of plants that grow above and below the surface of the ground. The results showed that Location II had the highest upper and lower vegetation biomass value, indicating a more favorable environment for plant growth.

Total Soil Microbial Population

Total soil microbial population is a measure of the number of microorganisms in the soil. The results showed that Location II had the highest total microbial population, indicating a more favorable environment for plant growth.

Research Results

The results showed significant differences in characteristics between sampling locations:

Location I
- PH: 5-5.4
- Texture: sandy clay
- The highest lower vegetation biomass value: 94.74 g
- C-organic levels, ALDD, CTC, and the lowest total microbial population compared to other locations.
Location II
- PH: 4.57 (lowest)
- Texture: sandy clay clay
- Has the CTC, ALDD, C-organic, biomass vegetation, total pore space, and the total microbial population of the highest locations compared to other locations.
- Bulk Density: 1.1 g/cm³.
Location III
- PH: 4.8-5,1
- Texture: sandy clay
- The highest bulk density: 1.54 g/cm³, indicating a denser soil.
- Total pore space is low and has the lowest and lowest lower vegetation biomass value.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

Through this research, we can see how complex the characteristics of marginal soil in West Reuleut Village. Variation of soil pH found is very influential on plant growth and microorganism activity. Low pH soil as in location II can indicate lower fertility, but if it is rich in c-organic and has a good cation exchange capacity, it can be beneficial for plants.

Measurement of bulk density also shows the importance of soil structure. High bulk density, such as at location III, shows the possibility of a denser soil and has the potential to inhibit plant root growth. Conversely, soil with a higher total pore space can support plant growth by providing space for air and water.

Conclusion

Identification of marginal soil characteristics in West Reuleut Village provides important insights for the management of land and agricultural resources in the region. With a better understanding of land conditions, farmers and land managers can optimize land use to increase agricultural productivity. This is important to ensure the sustainability and food security in the area.

Recommendations

Based on the research findings, the following recommendations are made:

Soil pH Management: Farmers and land managers should take measures to manage soil pH, especially in areas with low pH values.
Soil Structure Improvement: Measures should be taken to improve soil structure, such as adding organic matter and using conservation tillage.
Crop Selection: Farmers should select crops that are suitable for the soil conditions in their area.
Irrigation Management: Irrigation management should be optimized to ensure that crops receive the right amount of water.
Fertilizer Application: Fertilizer application should be done in a way that takes into account the soil's nutrient requirements.

By implementing these recommendations, farmers and land managers can optimize land use and increase agricultural productivity, ensuring the sustainability and food security in the area.

Q: What is marginal land?

A: Marginal land refers to land that is not suitable for intensive agricultural production due to its poor soil quality, low fertility, or other limitations. In the context of this study, marginal land refers to the land in West Reuleut Village, Muara Batu District, North Aceh Regency, which has characteristics that are not favorable for plant growth.

Q: What are the characteristics of marginal land in West Reuleut Village?

A: The characteristics of marginal land in West Reuleut Village include:

Low pH values
Poor soil texture
Low bulk density
Low total pore space
Low C-organic levels
Low Cation Exchange Capacity (CTC)
Low ALDD Value of Soil
Low upper and lower vegetation biomass
Low total soil microbial population

Q: What are the implications of marginal land characteristics for agricultural productivity?

A: The marginal land characteristics in West Reuleut Village can have significant implications for agricultural productivity. For example, the low pH values and poor soil texture can limit plant growth and reduce crop yields. Similarly, the low bulk density and total pore space can reduce the soil's ability to retain water and nutrients, further limiting plant growth.

Q: How can farmers and land managers optimize land use in marginal land areas?

A: Farmers and land managers can optimize land use in marginal land areas by:

Selecting crops that are suitable for the soil conditions
Implementing conservation tillage and other soil conservation practices
Adding organic matter to improve soil fertility
Optimizing irrigation management to ensure that crops receive the right amount of water
Using fertilizers and other inputs in a way that takes into account the soil's nutrient requirements

Q: What are the benefits of identifying marginal land characteristics?

A: Identifying marginal land characteristics can have several benefits, including:

Improved agricultural productivity
Increased food security
Reduced soil erosion and degradation
Improved water quality
Enhanced biodiversity

Q: How can researchers and policymakers support farmers and land managers in optimizing land use in marginal land areas?

A: Researchers and policymakers can support farmers and land managers in optimizing land use in marginal land areas by:

Conducting further research on marginal land characteristics and management practices
Developing and disseminating information on best management practices for marginal land
Providing training and capacity-building programs for farmers and land managers
Supporting the development of policies and programs that promote sustainable land management practices

Q: What are the next steps for this research?

A: The next steps for this research include:

Conducting further research on the management practices that can be used to optimize land use in marginal land areas
Developing and testing new technologies and practices that can improve agricultural productivity in marginal land areas
Disseminating the results of this research to farmers, land managers, and policymakers through various channels, including publications, workshops, and training programs.

By addressing these questions and concerns, we can better understand the characteristics of marginal land in West Reuleut Village and develop effective strategies for optimizing land use and improving agricultural productivity in this region.