Limited Analytical Methods

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 142 views

Analysis of Physical, Chemistry, and Biology of Soil in the Buffer Zone and Resort Sei Betung area in Gunung Leuser National Park in Besitang District

Introduction

The Gunung Leuser National Park in Besitang District, Langkat Regency, is a protected area that plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem and biodiversity of the region. The Buffer Zone and Resort Sei Betung area within the park is a critical component of the ecosystem, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species. However, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil in this area have not been extensively studied. This study aims to identify the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil in the Buffer Zone and Resort Sei Betung area in Gunung Leuser National Park, Besitang District.

Methodology

This study was conducted at the Chemistry and Soil Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, Medan, from April to May 2011. A total of 12 soil sample points were taken as research material, consisting of 6 samples from natural forests and 6 samples from forest land that had been opened for agriculture. The survey method used was semi-released with various levels of analysis detailed. Various parameters were analyzed, including the content of soil organic matter using the walkley and black methods, total nitrogen soil with the kjeldahl method, soil texture using the hydrometer method, soil pH by electrometry method, cation exchange capacity (CTC) using NH4OAC extraction method pH 7, and ratio C /N Land.

Results

The results showed that the content of soil organic matter was classified into four criteria: low and very low (on forest land that was opened for agriculture and seasonal plants), medium, and high (in natural forest soils). Total soil nitrogen is also grouped in three categories: low (in natural forest soils), medium, and high (in natural forests and forest land that has been opened for seasonal and annual plant agriculture). The C/N ratio of the soil is classified into four criteria, where the very low ratio is found on land that has been opened for seasonal plant agriculture, while low, medium, and high ratios are more commonly found in natural forest soils. Meanwhile, soil pH is included in three categories, namely very acidic, acidic, and slightly acidic. The dominance of soil texture is sandy clay. Soil cation exchange capacity is found in the low category, both in natural forest land and on forest land that has been opened for seasonal and annual plant agriculture.

Discussion

The physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil are very important to understand the quality and fertility of the soil. Soil organic material is the main indicator of soil fertility, because it plays a role in providing nutrition and supporting the life of microorganisms. The low nitrogen content in natural forests shows that the ecosystem depends on the natural process to restore nitrogen into the soil, while agricultural land may rely on chemical fertilizers to maintain fertility.

The low C/N ratio on the opened land can indicate soil degradation, where organic material that is faster decomposes affects nutritional balance. Meanwhile, varied soil pHs show the importance of pH management to support optimal plant growth. Low pH soil can affect the availability of nutrition, so it is important to carry out appropriate management actions, such as the addition of lime to increase soil pH.

The dominance of sandy clay texture also has implications for water retention and the ability of the soil in supporting various plants. Soil physical properties such as texture and structure have a significant impact on soil biological activity, including the existence of microorganisms that contribute to the process of decomposition and nutritional cycles. Low cation exchange capacity indicates the limited soil in accommodating and providing nutrition for plants, which in turn can result in a decrease in productivity.

Conclusion

Through a deep understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, better management can be applied to protect the ecosystem and improve the welfare of the people who depend on natural resources around them. This study provides a foundation for stakeholders to formulate relevant policies in the use and preservation of the environment in the Gunung Leuser National Park. Further research is needed to explore the potential for land improvement and appropriate management strategies to maintain the quality of the soil in the Buffer Zone and Resort Sei Betung area.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Soil Conservation: Soil conservation practices should be implemented to prevent soil erosion and degradation.
Soil Fertilization: Soil fertilization practices should be implemented to maintain soil fertility and support optimal plant growth.
Soil pH Management: Soil pH management practices should be implemented to maintain optimal soil pH and support optimal plant growth.
Soil Texture Management: Soil texture management practices should be implemented to maintain optimal soil texture and support optimal plant growth.
Soil Biological Activity: Soil biological activity should be promoted through the use of organic amendments and other practices that support the growth of microorganisms.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited Sample Size: The sample size of this study was limited to 12 soil sample points.
Limited Analytical Methods: The analytical methods used in this study were limited to a few parameters, including soil organic matter, total nitrogen, soil texture, soil pH, and cation exchange capacity.
Limited Spatial Coverage: The spatial coverage of this study was limited to the Buffer Zone and Resort Sei Betung area in Gunung Leuser National Park.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Soil Mapping: Soil mapping should be conducted to identify areas with different soil properties and to develop soil management strategies.
Soil Fertilization: Soil fertilization practices should be evaluated to determine their effectiveness in maintaining soil fertility and supporting optimal plant growth.
Soil pH Management: Soil pH management practices should be evaluated to determine their effectiveness in maintaining optimal soil pH and supporting optimal plant growth.
Soil Texture Management: Soil texture management practices should be evaluated to determine their effectiveness in maintaining optimal soil texture and supporting optimal plant growth.
Soil Biological Activity: Soil biological activity should be evaluated to determine its effectiveness in supporting the growth of microorganisms and maintaining soil fertility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Analysis of Physical, Chemistry, and Biology of Soil in the Buffer Zone and Resort Sei Betung area in Gunung Leuser National Park in Besitang District

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to identify the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil in the Buffer Zone and Resort Sei Betung area in Gunung Leuser National Park, Besitang District.

Q: What methods were used to collect and analyze the soil samples?

A: The soil samples were collected using a semi-released survey method, and various levels of analysis were detailed. The parameters analyzed included soil organic matter, total nitrogen, soil texture, soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and ratio C /N Land.

Q: What were the results of the study?

A: The results showed that the content of soil organic matter was classified into four criteria: low and very low (on forest land that was opened for agriculture and seasonal plants), medium, and high (in natural forest soils). Total soil nitrogen is also grouped in three categories: low (in natural forest soils), medium, and high (in natural forests and forest land that has been opened for seasonal and annual plant agriculture). The C/N ratio of the soil is classified into four criteria, where the very low ratio is found on land that has been opened for seasonal plant agriculture, while low, medium, and high ratios are more commonly found in natural forest soils. Meanwhile, soil pH is included in three categories, namely very acidic, acidic, and slightly acidic. The dominance of soil texture is sandy clay. Soil cation exchange capacity is found in the low category, both in natural forest land and on forest land that has been opened for seasonal and annual plant agriculture.

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings?

A: The study's findings have implications for soil conservation, soil fertilization, soil pH management, soil texture management, and soil biological activity. The study suggests that soil conservation practices should be implemented to prevent soil erosion and degradation, and that soil fertilization practices should be implemented to maintain soil fertility and support optimal plant growth.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a limited sample size, limited analytical methods, and limited spatial coverage.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research directions include soil mapping, soil fertilization, soil pH management, soil texture management, and soil biological activity.

Q: What are the recommendations for stakeholders?

A: The study provides a foundation for stakeholders to formulate relevant policies in the use and preservation of the environment in the Gunung Leuser National Park. Stakeholders are recommended to implement soil conservation practices, soil fertilization practices, soil pH management practices, soil texture management practices, and soil biological activity practices.

Q: What are the implications for the local community?

A: The study's findings have implications for the local community, including the need to implement soil conservation practices, soil fertilization practices, soil pH management practices, soil texture management practices, and soil biological activity practices to maintain soil fertility and support optimal plant growth.

Q: What are the implications for the environment?

A: The study's findings have implications for the environment, including the need to implement soil conservation practices, soil fertilization practices, soil pH management practices, soil texture management practices, and soil biological activity practices to maintain soil fertility and support optimal plant growth.

Q: What are the implications for the economy?

A: The study's findings have implications for the economy, including the need to implement soil conservation practices, soil fertilization practices, soil pH management practices, soil texture management practices, and soil biological activity practices to maintain soil fertility and support optimal plant growth.

Q: What are the implications for the policy makers?

A: The study's findings have implications for policy makers, including the need to formulate relevant policies in the use and preservation of the environment in the Gunung Leuser National Park. Policy makers are recommended to implement soil conservation practices, soil fertilization practices, soil pH management practices, soil texture management practices, and soil biological activity practices to maintain soil fertility and support optimal plant growth.