Assessment of Land Characteristics and Recommendation for Improvements in Patchouli Plantations in Aceh Province, Indonesia.

Background: Land characteristics and its criteria are important factors affecting the success of crop cultivation. This research aimed to evaluate the value and criteria of land characteristics for Aceh patchouli. Methods: The study was conducted at smallholders' adopting patchouli farming in North Aceh (AU) and Gayo Lues (GL) using purposive sampling method. Eleven patchouli farming in both AU and GL were selected. Soil sampling and agroclimate data were collected from the farming. Result: The results revealed that the altitude varied at each plantation and there were significant differences of altitudes, climates and soil characteristics between plantations in those two regions. It is found that the land characteristics in AU and GL of patchouli plantations are classified into marginally suitable (S3) and not suitable (N). But, the best class for patchouli lies between S1-S3, where S3 class requires adequate rainfall and organic-C, enabling the land to upgrade its class, to be resulted in an increase of patchouli production. The best patchouli growth and production was determined by land characteristics like base saturation (BS), total-N, erosion hazard, stoniness and rocks outcrop and have been evaluated and suitable suggestions were given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]