Analisis Karakteristik Fisik Tanah Di Mikro DAS Rembangan Tengah. Kabupaten Jember

Abstract

Physical soil characteristics determine water and air storage capacity and directly influence nutrient availability for plant growth. This study analized physical soil characteristics across 18 land mapping units in the Rembangan Tengah Micro Watershed, Jember, an area with varied land use (dryland fields, plantations, and paddy fields) and slope spanning the upstream to downstream sections of the Rembangan Sub Watershed. Soil texture, structure, bulk density, particle density, and porosity were measured trough field and laboratory analisys, examined statistically using a Geographic Information System. Result showed texture ranging from clay loam to sandy clay loam, structure dominated by very fine, angular blocky aggregates, and bulk density, particle density, and porosity mostly classified as moderate to good. Land use significantly affected only clay content (p = 0,008), particularly between paddy fields and other land uses due to clay illuviation under periodic inundation, while slope had no significant effect on any parameter. Texture distribution followed an upstream-downstream gradient relative to the main river, whereas soil structure remained relatively uniform. These findings indicate that the soil physical condition of the study area remains generally suitable for agricultural use.