Suitability of Nutmeg Plant Habitats in Three Nutmeg Production Centers using the Geographic Information System and Aster DEM in West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Nutmeg plant (Myristica sp.) produces seeds and mace as the main commodities of world spice trade. Nutmeg plant habitats in West Java are distributed mainly in Bogor, Sukabumi and Cianjur Regencies. This study aimed to determine the suitability of nutmeg habitats in three nutmeg production centers in West Java based on soil type and slope using the Geographic Information System (GIS) approach and Aster DEM (Digital Elevation Model) analysis. The study was conducted from August to December 2018, by collecting data of: a) The coordinates of the area planted with nutmeg using GPS (Global Positioning System), b) Field documentation in the form of descriptions around the data collection point, c) Soil analysis data, d) Land area data, e) Map of the earth scale of 1:50,000 scale from the Geospatial Information Agency, and f) Landsystem map of West Java scale of 1:250,000. Data were analyzed using Arc GIS 9.3. The results of land suitability analysis based on rainfall data for Bogor region was classified in the category of marginally suitable (S3), while the regions of Sukabumi and Cianjur were sufficiently suitable (S2). Temperature of Bogor region was categorized as the most suitable (S1), while Sukabumi and Cianjur regions were sufficiently suitable (S2) for nutmeg development. The distribution of nutmeg was in Latosol and Regosol soils, with soil pH of rather acidic (pH 4.78-5.98), clay texture, low to high C-organic content (1.5-4.5%) and moderate to high N-Total (0.2-0.5%). Cation exchange capacity ranged from 25-30 cmol(+)/kg with a base saturation level of around 55-60%. Based on slope, the distribution of nutmeg in the West Java region was in the range of slope with a flat (<8%) to sloping (8-15%) category, with altitudes between 400-900 m above sea level classified as suitable to very suitable for nutmeg development. The overall agroecological suitability of nutmeg plants in three nutmeg production centers in the West Java region was classified as suitable to be managed and developed.