Land Resource-Based Cocoa Development Potential in North Luwu District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Developing crops based on land resources is necessary for increasing cocoa production. This study aims to analyze the potential for developing cocoa based on information on land resources in the form of characteristics and land distribution in the North Luwu District. The distribution of cocoa was interpreted using onscreen satellite imagery. Land suitability data were compiled by matching land characteristics with the Cocoa Land Suitability Criteria. The potential availability of land and directions for crop development were determined based on the overlay results of land suitability classes with land-use maps and area status. Based on this study, the North Luwu District is part of an active tectonic region and has eight soil types: alluvial, regiosol, renzina, kambisol, gleisol, podsolik, mediteran, and oxisol. The land suitability class for cocoa plants was marginally suitable. The total land area that has the potential to develop cocoa plants is 68,804 ha, with the diversification and extensification of the two development patterns. North Luwu District has the potential to develop cocoa plantations with several appropriate agricultural technology efforts to support the increased production and quality of cocoa plants.