The Potential and Prospect of Tidal Swamp Lands for Sustainable Soybean Production

Abstract

The demand for food, particularly as a source of protein for the majority of Indonesia’s population, has not yet been satisfied by the country’s soybean production. For these reasons, the government works nonstop to intensify and extend soybean production in order to enhance productivity. Indonesia has a sizable amount of tidal marsh area (more than 700 000 ha) that is spread out throughout a number of islands, including Sumatera, Kalimantan, and Papua. The physical and chemical characteristics of the soil, such as water saturation in the root zones, a low pH, and a high Al concentration for soybean growth, are the main limitations of this land. However, the area may produce high soybean productivity (2.0 - 2.5 t/ha) with excellent management techniques. It is already possible to grow soybeans on tidal marsh lands using land and plant management techniques like fertilization, water management, amelioration, and tolerance varieties. In order to ensure sustained national soybean production in Indonesia and achieve self-sufficiency, tidal swamp areas have tremendous potential and chances for development.