Agriverse

Assessing Soil Physical Properties for Soil Quality Evaluation in the Bangsal Sub-Watershed of the Brantas Watershed

Ken Bening Jiwa Jeni — 2026-08-07

Soil physical quality plays a fundamental role in sustaining agricultural productivity by regulating root development, water movement, and soil aeration. This study aimed to evaluate soil physical quality in the Bangsal Sub-Watershed of the Brantas Watershed using the Soil Physical Quality Index (SPQI) and to examine its relationship with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Soil samples were collected from representative agricultural land units and evaluated using six physical indicators: effective soil depth, soil texture, bulk density, drainage, permeability, and available water capacity. Each indicator was scored and integrated into the SPQI using equal weighting coefficients. A simple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between NDVI and SPQI. The results showed that SPQI values ranged from 2.505 to 4.676, indicating moderate to very high soil physical quality. Horticultural land units exhibited the highest SPQI values, whereas several dryland and paddy field units showed lower physical quality due to limitations in bulk density, drainage, and available water capacity. Regression analysis revealed a moderately strong positive relationship between NDVI and SPQI (R² = 0.6599), suggesting that vegetation condition reflects soil physical quality. These findings demonstrate that integrating field-based soil assessment with NDVI can support soil quality monitoring and sustainable watershed management. Future studies should incorporate soil chemical and biological indicators to achieve a more comprehensive evaluation of soil quality.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 15: Life on Land

Integrated land management for sustainable robusta coffee cultivation in East Java

Anantia Aulia Srirahma Devi rahmaa — 2026-08-07

Robusta coffee production requires land management that maintains soil functions, regulates water, and reduces pest pressure under increasing climate variability. This study transformed field-based professional practice at PT Perkebunan Nusantara I Regional 5, Bangelan Bantaran Estate, Malang, East Java, into an analytical case study of integrated land management for robusta coffee cultivation. Data were obtained during January-February 2026 through direct field observation, operational documentation, interviews with estate personnel, and unit normalization of reported management inputs. The estate covers 883.20 ha, with mature robusta coffee representing 67.94% of the land allocation and supporting land, sugarcane partnership, nurseries, and timber blocks forming the remaining production landscape. The reconstructed management model integrates selective clearing, topography-sensitive tillage, road and drainage construction, temporary and permanent shade, vegetative seedlings, combined organic-mineral fertilization, chemical weed control, canopy pruning, biological control using Beauveria bassiana, and selective red-cherry harvesting. Derived input indicators showed that herbicide application used 250-300 L ha-1 carrier volume, while Beauveria bassiana was applied at 300 g ha-1 in 320 L water.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 15: Life on Land

Morphometric Characterization of Gully Erosion and Estimation of Eroded Soil Volume in Talakbroto Village, Central Java, Indonesia

Audris Thalitha Nur Ababil — 2026-08-08

Ditch erosion is a form of land degradation that has the potential to degrade soil quality, reduce the area of productive land, and increase sedimentation in downstream areas. This study aims to identify the characteristics of ditch erosion and estimate the extent of soil loss in Talakbroto Village, Simo Subdistrict, Boyolali Regency, Central Java Province. The study was conducted through field observations, ditch morphometric measurements, interviews, and spatial data analysis covering slope gradient, rainfall, soil type, and land use. Soil loss estimates were calculated using a morphometric approach based on the cross-sectional area and volume of each ditch segment. The results indicate that gully erosion at the study site exhibits variations in form and size influenced by slope gradient, extremely high rainfall, the properties of Vertic Haplustalfs soil, and the presence of fragile weathered rock. The total soil loss value obtained was 0.423 tons/ha/year. These results indicate that the study area is vulnerable to gully erosion, which could worsen without appropriate land management measures. The implementation of suitable soil and water conservation measures is necessary to mitigate gully erosion and minimize soil loss.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 6: Water Quality
SDG 15: Life on Land