Soil quality of three small watersheds in Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Field survey was conducted to identify the biophysical conditions and compile an inventory of land use in Central Java, Indonesia. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to select a minimum data set (MDS) of indicators that best represent the soil functions. In the study, seven soil-quality indicators (soil attributes) were identified for the watershed, namely texture (clay), available P, exchangeable K, bulk density, soil organic carbon (SOC), hydraulic conductivity (HC), and water stable aggregates (WSA). The study demonstrated a considerable variation of soil quality in the study area, from low to medium level. Soil quality index in Tegalan watershed was significantly lower than those in Rambutan and Kalisidi watersheds. Overall the soil quality may be improved considerably by better land management practices and introducing more appropriate cropping systems.


Key Words: soil quality, small watershed, principal component analysis


Int. J. Agric. Rural Dev., 2003, 4: 28-33