Author:
Hikmat M,Susanto B,Yatno E
Abstract
Abstract
Tidal swampland is an agroecosystem with distinct characteristics. Studying on this land was very important to support national food security. This study aims to identify the soil characteristics and the potential of tidal rice fields in the Maliku Sub-District, Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Four representative soil profiles were characterized in the field and laboratory to determine the soil’s chemical, physical, and mineralogical properties. The results showed that these soils were generally fine textured, had very acid to acid reaction (soil pH 3.2-4.7), moderate to high C-organic (2-6%), varied potential P2O5 (22-289 mg/100g), low potential K2O (11-17 mg/100g), varied available P2O5 (8.6-56.1 mg/kg), very low exchangeable Ca (<2 cmolc/kg), varied exchangeable Mg (0.6-3.0 cmolc/kg), moderate soil CEC (18-22 cmolc/kg), very low base saturation (<20%), and shallow to very deep (35 - >100 cm) of pyrite depth. The sand fraction mineral is mainly composed of quartz and rock fragments, while the clay fraction is dominated by kaolinite. The lands are marginally suitable for tidal rice fields with the limiting factor being very acid soil reaction and shallow pyrite depth. The application of balanced fertilization, liming, organic matter, minimum tillage, and micro-water control can increase land productivity.