Layer Depths-Based Soil Chemical Properties on Oil Palm Area in East Kotawaringin, Central Borneo

Abstract

The objective of this research is to assess the variation of soil chemical properties based on soil layer depth on oil palm plantation area. This Research conducted at oil palm plantation area in East Kotawaringin District, Central Borneo. Soil sample is collected and subjected to laboratory-based soil analysis. Soil sample is obtained from four soil layer depths in the representative site of the plantation area management activity. Forest area with vegetative coverage nearby the plantation site is also included within research area scope. The result indicates that the deeper soil layer from soil surface increase the soil pH (pH H₂O and pH KCl) (lowering acidity). Otherwise, other soil chemical properties decreased, such as exchangeable-hydrogen and exchangeable-aluminium, exchangeable-base cations (calcium, magnesium, potassium and natrium), base saturation, cation exchange capacity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, phosphor-available and K₂O HCl 25%.

Keywords: soil chemical, soil layer depth, oil palm plantation.