Soil Characteristics in Tepus Sub-district, Gunungkidul Regency for Plant Cultivation

Tepus Sub-district is one of the sub-districts in Gunungkidul Regency. This sub-district is included in the Gunung Sewu Karst Physiographic Sub-Zone. In general, the morphology is in the form of small hills and basins between hills (dolina) with heights ranging from 0 – 400 m and slopes of 8% to 40%. The physiographical conditions of this area consist of expanses of dry land with various slopes because of the existing topographic configuration. The results of determining soil characteristics can be used to compile projections of existing land use in Tepus District, Gunungkidul Regency. Thus, the purpose of this research is to determine the potential of land in Tepus District for plant cultivation. This research was conducted using the observation method to obtain primary data (results of laboratory analysis) and secondary data from related agencies. The results showed that the Tepus district, Gunungkidul regency has soil that develops from lime parent material originating from the Gunung Sewu Karst Physiographic Sub-Zone and has good potential physical characteristics for agricultural development because the soil has good retention power and effective depth (greater than 75 cm.). Chemical characteristics with cation exchange capacity and base saturation indicating a high cation content, with a neutral soil pH, low C-organic content, high potential for phosphate nutrient content, but having limiting factors for nitrogen and potassium nutrients.