Land suitability evaluation for cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) in Gantarang sub district, Bulukumba, Sulawesi Selatan

Abstract

Gantarang Subdistrict is one of the largest cocoa land areas in Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi. However, the production of cocoa plants in Gantarang Subdistrict has not been optimal yet. Therefore, an effort is needed to evaluate cocoa land by establishing land characteristics as a basis for determining the suitability of cocoa plants in Gantarang Subdistrict. This research was conducted using a survey method with the purposive sampling technique through the collection of primary data and secondary data. Data obtained were analyzed using the matching method between land quality and land characteristics as parameters with the criteria of land suitability class. The results showed that the land characteristics in Gantarang Subdistrict varied greatly. The actual land suitability for cocoa plants in Gantarang Subdistrict at the sub-class level based on FAO criteria differs widely. Based on the sub-class level there are 5 actual land suitability classes, which are S3rc, S3nr, S3na, S3eh, and Nrc. Improvements that can be made include adding organic matter, fertilizing, making terracing and conservation. After the improvement, the potential land suitability classes that can be achieved are S2, S3, and N with the biggest limiting factor is by rooting media factor; the rest is by danger of erosion and land preparation factors.