Land Suitability of Sebatik Island for Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to find out the land suitability class on Sebatik Island, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province for cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) in accordance with the agroecosystem of the area. The method of this research is a literature study and field survey, sampling and soil analysis in the laboratory, and interviews to determine the land condition and potential of the land for cocoa. The results of the study show that land suitability class on Sebatik Island for cocoa, which is quite suitable (S2) 1.94% of the total area (473,36 ha), land class according to marginal (S3) 88.36% of the total area (21,056 ha), and inappropriate class land (N) 8.52% (2,089 ha). In each land suitability class (S2, S3, N) has a limiting factor for cocoa. The suitability class of S2, the limiting factors are the availability of water (wa), erosion hazards (eh) and nutrient availability (nr). Class S3 the limiting factors are water availability (wa), oxygen availability (oa), erosion hazard (eh), nutrient availability (nr) and rooting condition (rc). In the not suitability class (N), the limiting factor is sulfidic hazards and limited rooting conditions (rc).