A review of the potential of magnetic susceptibility methods for monitoring the feasibility of soil fertility for horticultural crops cultivation in Indonesia

In recent years, studies on the feasibility of monitoring the fertility of agricultural and plantation soils have been widely discussed. However, using the magnetic rock method, especially the magnetic susceptibility parameter, is still rarely studied. The study of magnetic enhancement in the soil due to human (anthropogenic) activities is discussed by considering its magnetic carrier. However, this article mainly discusses studies on the feasibility of monitoring soil fertility using magnetic susceptibility methods. The fields of red chilies, shallots, tomatoes, potatoes, coffee plantations, rice fields, and apple plantations from several areas in Indonesia were studied. The high magnetic susceptibility indicates the soil contains the minerals hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4). These minerals are ferrimagnetic. High Fe levels will reduce the fertility of agricultural land. We also describe χFD (%) 2-10% values in agricultural soils containing super-paramagnetic grains (fine grains). Soils with χFD (%) value of less than 2% still have good soil fertility, while soils with χFD (%) value of 2-10% have decreased soil fertility. Thus, information is obtained that the magnetic susceptibility method can monitor the feasibility of soil fertility for horticultural cultivation.