Karakterisasi Sifat Kimia Tanah dan Penentuan Kebutuhan Kapur pada Lahan Marginal untuk Mendukung Produktivitas Tanaman Jagung

Abstract

Marginal lands are characterized by limitations in soil chemical properties, particularly high soil acidity, which leads to low nutrient availability and increased aluminum toxicity. This study aimed to analyze soil chemical properties and determine lime requirements as an effort to improve soil fertility in marginal lands in Banyumas, Central Java. The research was conducted using a survey method through purposive soil sampling at depths of 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm. The observed parameters included soil pH, exchangeable aluminum (Al-dd), and exchangeable hydrogen (H-dd). The results showed that the soils were classified as acidic, with pH values ranging from 4.78 to 5.00, exchangeable Al ranging from 0.86 to 1.04 cmol(+)/kg, and exchangeable H ranging from 3.22 to 4.20 cmol(+)/kg. These conditions indicate high soil acidity and a strong potential for aluminum toxicity. Such conditions reduce nutrient availability, particularly phosphorus, and inhibit plant root growth. The relationship between soil pH and exchangeable Al indicated that lower soil pH corresponded to higher aluminum solubility. Based on the analysis, a lime requirement of 500 kg/ha is recommended to increase soil pH, suppress aluminum activity, and improve nutrient availability. Therefore, liming based on soil chemical property analysis is an effective strategy for managing marginal lands to sustainably support maize productivity.