CHARACTERISTICS AND LAND POTENTIAL FOR VEGETABLE DEVELOPMENT IN TEMANGGUNG DISTRICT, CENTRAL JAVA

Abstract

Vegetables are mostly grown in mountainous areas with an altitude >400 m a.s.l., such as Temanggung, Central Java. The steep slope farming considers very little environmental suitability and sustainability. This study was conducted in 2004, covering a total area of 87,223 ha. Soil samples were analyzed for soil texture, pH, C, N, P, K, CEC, exchangeable cations, and base saturation. Soil characteristics data were used for land suitability evaluation for vegetables crops using the Automated Land Evaluation System (ALES) program. The results showed that 36,992 ha (42.4%) of the area is located in the elevation of 400-700 m a.s.l. and about 46,786 ha (53.6%) with elevation >700 m a.s.l. The district is dominated by volcanic parent materials (83.31%), deriving Andisols with shallow ( 15% covering 40,600 ha (46.55%) area. The district’s annual rainfall ranges from 2,375-3,054 mm with 7-9 wet months (rainfall >200 mm) and <3 dry months (rainfall <100 mm). Land suitability analysis indicated that <15% of the total area is very suitable (S1) for vegetables. The majority of the land is moderately suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S3) for asparagus, garlic, green beans, chili, long beans, potatoes, cabbage and tomatoes, with limiting factors of steep slope, coarse to stony texture, high nutrient retention and low water availability. Other limiting factors include high rainfall, weak aggregates of the Andisols, and steep slopes, causing a high erosion hazard, unless proper soil conservation measures are implemented. Selection and implementation of locally adaptable conservation techniques and P nutrient management are important for sustainable vegetable farming in this area.