Land Evaluation for Cassava Cultivation in Southern Slope of Mount Merapi: Case Study in Palemsari Hamlet, Umbulharjo Village (Cangkringan, Sleman)

Abstract

Palemsari Hamlet (Umbulharjo Village, Cangkringan District, Sleman Regency) is one of areas located in Southern Slope of Mt. Merapi, which was directly affected by the eruption cycle of Mt. Merapi. The aftereffect of 2010 eruption had reduced land productivity, making it less suitable for crop cultivation. Therefore, this study was aimed to re-evaluate the land suitability of Palemsari Hamlet, particularly for cassava cultivation, after 10 years of eruption. This study was carried out from June – November 2021 in Palemsari Hamlet. Physiographic conditions and soil properties were observed through survey. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively and spatially to determine the characteristics through a series of laboratory analysis. This data was used to determine the class of land suitability. Results showed that the land suitability in PalemsariHamlet was considered as moderately suitable (S2) for cassava cultivation. This area was found to have less suitable soil texture due to the high percentage of sand fraction. According to this result, the soil condition in Palemsari Hamlet is potential to be used for cassava cultivation with the support of organic matter application to improve its physical properties. This recommendation could be beneficial for the future land use planning in the affected areas of Mt. Merapi eruption.