Land Suitability Evaluation For Nutmeg ( Myristica fragrans Houtt) In Galela Region, North Halmahera Districts, North Maluku, Indonesia

摘要

Background and Objective: Galela area is a small part of the areas in the province of North Maluku. This area is gaining attention to developed plantation crops, one of the plantations commodities that is developed in this region is nutmeg. The selection of agricultural crops that will be developed should refers to the conditions of biophysic and crop growth requirements for the plant. This study aims to determine land suitability class for nutmeg plants in Galela area using two approaches methods and is associated with nutmeg productivity level. Materials and Methods: The research method is following on several stages i.e., land mapping unit (LMU), field survey, data collection, soil analysis, data compilation, interpretation and presentation of data. The determination of land suitability is determined by using the comparison method between the quality of the land on the condition of plant growth. The criteria was using two methods, namely simple limitation method (SLM) and sys criteria. Results: The result showed the actual land suitability for nutmeg using SLM system was obtained into two classes, S3 (marginally suitable) and N (unsuitable), whereas the potential land suitability was obtained into three classes i.e., S2 (moderately suitable), S3 and N. In contrast, there were two classes for the actual and potential land suitability according to sys criteria, S2 and S3. Limiting factors in the cultivation of nutmeg plants include rooting media (soil depth), nutrient retention, nutrient availability, erosion hazard, drainage, sodicity and water availability. Any type of improvement that can still be done consist of providing organic materials and fertilization. Conclusion: The land suitability using of sys criteria system was more appropriate in determining land suitability class for crop nutmeg in Galela region. This condition can be seen from the fact in the field at the time of the survey and collection of field data that the marginal land that evaluated using SLM system and their result are unsuitable, however, nutmeg can still grow well. The supply of volcanic ash material from Mt. Dokuno positively affect the growth of nutmeg.