Land suitability evaluation for elephant grass plant (Pannisetum purpureum) in Suka Maju Village, Malind District, Merauke Regency

Abstract

Abstract Land suitability evaluation can be carried out to determine the level of suitability of elephant grass plants (Pannisetum purpureum). Information related to land resources is very important to determine livestock development programs, especially ruminants in a sustainable manner. This research aims to determine the actual land suitability class for developing elephant grass plants in Suka Maju Village, Malind District, Merauke Regency. This study used a survey method and soil sampling was carried out on two types of land, field and meadow. Data collection was carried out by direct observation, laboratory analysis, and data analysis. The data analysis technique to find out the sub-classes of land suitability is by matching the requirements for growing elephant grass with the quality and characteristics of the land according to The Technical Instructions for Land Suitability Assessment Guidelines for Strategic Agricultural Commodities Semi-Detailed Level 1:50,000 Scale in 2016. The results showed that the land suitability class for elephant grass on both land types (field and meadow) was classified as a marginal suitable class (S3) with limiting factor as base saturation (nr2) and K2O (na3). Basically the limiting factors in this study can be corrected by liming and adding organic matter.