Soil Characteristics, Farming System and Conservation Strategies in the Sloping Volcanic Areas in Indonesia

Abstract

Volcanic soil can be easily degraded under natural conditions or when subjected to human activities. A research was conducted in Java and Bali islands in Indonesia to determine the relationship between soil characteristics, farming system and conservation strategies in highland volcanic areas. The volcanic soils in the research areas were found to have high fertility but low organic matter content. Also, soils with high clay content tend to have low erodibility. On other hand, low clay content, low cation exchange capacity (CEC), low liquid limit (LL) and low plasticity limit (PL) are associated with high soil erodibility. The common farming systems in the research areas are growing vegetables and raising livestock. Multiple cropping is the predominant system as exemplified by relay cropping, sequential cropping and intercropping. To control soil erosion, both agronomic and mechanical measures are practiced. Farmland agroforestry and a combination of “Taungya” and multistory agroforestry are common agronomic control strategies while vertical ridges with grass strips and bench terracing, especially on steep locations are the mechanical measures widely adopted. The attainment of effective soil erosion control and increased land productivity largely depend on the establishment of appropriate measures and conservation strategies.