Evaluasi Kualitas Tanah Sawah Pesisir di Kabupaten Bantaeng Melalui Parameter Fisik dan Kimia

Background: Coastal paddy fields have specific characteristics due to the influence of the coastal environment, such as salinity and fluctuations in the water table, which can affect soil fertility quality and rice productivity, making the evaluation of coastal paddy soil fertility important as a basis for sustainable land management. Aim: This research aims to evaluate the quality of coastal rice field soil in Bantaeng Regency through analysis of physical and chemical parameters. Methods: This study was conducted through field surveys and laboratory analysis of soil samples from coastal paddy fields in Lamalaka Subdistrict, Bantaeng District, Bantaeng Regency. The physical parameters analyzed included soil texture, bulk density, and porosity, while the chemical parameters included pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, and salinity. The data were analyzed descriptively, and the Soil Quality Index was calculated based on the Mausbach and Seybold criteria modified by Partoyo. Results: The results showed that coastal paddy fields (TS1–TS2) had acidic pH, low organic carbon and total nitrogen, and low exchangeable potassium; however, their salinity was lower than that of sites farther from the coast (TS6–TS8) due to leaching by freshwater irrigation. IKT values ranged from 0.48 to 0.87, falling into the moderate (TS1–TS5), good (TS6–TS7), and very good (TS8) categories. The fertility of coastal paddy fields is strongly influenced by proximity to the coast as well as land water management and drainage conditions. Conclusion: Soil quality improvement is necessary through the addition of organic materials and balanced fertilization, as well as sustainable maintenance on high-quality land.