Land Suitability for Seasonal Crops: Limiting Factors and SDG-Aligned Management Strategies

Authors

• Rahmawaty Rahmawaty, Natural Resources and Environmental Management Study Program, Postgraduate School, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Padang Bulan, Medan 20155, North Sumatra, Indonesia AND Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Kuala Bekala, Pancur Batu, Deli Serdang 20353, North Sumatra, IndonesiaFollow
• Abdul Rauf, Natural Resources and Environmental Management Study Program, Postgraduate School, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Padang Bulan, Medan 20155, North Sumatra, Indonesia AND Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Padang Bulan, Medan 20155, North Sumatra, IndonesiaFollow
• T Alief Aththorick, Natural Resources and Environmental Management Study Program, Postgraduate School, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Padang Bulan, Medan 20155, North Sumatra, IndonesiaFollow
• R Hamdani Harahap, Natural Resources and Environmental Management Study Program, Postgraduate School, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Padang Bulan, Medan 20155, North Sumatra, IndonesiaFollow
• Christine Pepah, PT Agincourt Resources Tambang Emas Martabe, South Tapanuli, North Sumatra, IndonesiaFollow
• Rohani Simbolon, PT Agincourt Resources Tambang Emas Martabe, South Tapanuli, North Sumatra, IndonesiaFollow
• Minhajul Abidin, PT Agincourt Resources Tambang Emas Martabe, South Tapanuli, North Sumatra, IndonesiaFollow
• Nawang Wulan, Natural Resources and Environmental Management Study Program, Postgraduate School, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Padang Bulan, Medan 20155, North Sumatra, IndonesiaFollow
• Anggiat Hosea O Siregar, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 40450 Shah Alam, MalaysiaFollow
• Mohd Hasmad Ismail, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, MalaysiaFollow
• Seca Gandaseca, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 40450 Shah Alam, MalaysiaFollow

Abstract

A land evaluation study of Muara Batang Toru Sub-district is essential to determine its development prospects for seasonal crops. This study evaluates land suitability for six seasonal plants, including red chili, cucumber, shallot, tomato, eggplant, and bitter melon, in Muara Batang Toru Sub-district, South Tapanuli Regency. This study employs a survey method, integrating field observations and laboratory analysis with predetermined criteria based on a combination of internationally recognized standards and local conditions. Geographic information systems are used to map the actual and potential land suitability classes for vegetable crops. The findings indicate that most of the actual land suitability classes fall under marginally suitable (S3) and currently not suitable (N1) categories, primarily due to limiting factors such as water availability (wa), low nutrient retention (nr), suboptimal rooting media (rc), and high rainfall (tc). Proper management practices, such as making drainage systems and raised beds, applying 15-25 kg of organic fertilizer per hectare annually, and applying lime or dolomite, can improve the land suitability class to moderately suitable (S2) or highly suitable (S1). Effective management practices, including establishing drainage systems and planting beds, applying 15–25 tons/ha of organic fertilizer annually, can improve the land suitability classification to moderately suitable (S2) or even highly suitable (S1). Commodities such as red chili, tomato, and bitter melon have the potential for significant productivity gains with these interventions. Implementing intercropping and crop rotation systems is recommended to optimize yields, maintain environmental sustainability, enhance agricultural output, and promote the socio-economic stability in Muara Batang Toru Sub-district. This research also contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Keywords

Highly suitable, Land management, Limiting factors, Nutrient retention, SDGs

Article Type

Special Issue Article

First Page

177

Last Page

190

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite this Article

Rahmawaty, Rahmawaty; Rauf, Abdul; Aththorick, T Alief; Harahap, R Hamdani; Pepah, Christine; Simbolon, Rohani; Abidin, Minhajul; Wulan, Nawang; Siregar, Anggiat Hosea O; Ismail, Mohd Hasmad; and Gandaseca, Seca (2026) "Land Suitability for Seasonal Crops: Limiting Factors and SDG-Aligned Management Strategies," Baghdad Science Journal: Vol. 23: Iss. 1, Article 14.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21123/2411-7986.5146