Soil Tillage and Planting Along the Contour on Sloping Land to Minimize the Potential for Erosion and Surface Runoff
Soil Tillage and Planting Along the Contour on Sloping Land to Minimize the Potential for Erosion and Surface Runoff
Nurul Fajeriana1*, Akhmad Ali1 and Retno Puspa Rini2
ABSTRACT
Rainfall eroded surface soil by displacement of the topsoil, which is rich in organic matter. Additionally, soil pores are filled with runoff water, resulting in erosion and sedimentation at the tail. If the organic matter in the topsoil is washed away by rainfall, it becomes evident that agricultural productivity declines. In areas with steep slopes, loss of topsoil is associated with water flowing downhill. Based on these factors, the study was conducted to compare and analyze soil tillage and contour-oriented planting models with the aim of minimizing erosion and surface runoff. This research was carried out on land with a 23% slope and featured three treatments, i.e., N0 (plots with soil loosening only), N1 (erosion plots with contour-aligned soil bunds), and N2 (erosion plots with bench terraces along the contour). All plots were planted with kale (Ipomoea aquatica) as ground cover. According to the research findings, soil management on sloping land is best achieved through a conservation approach involving contour-aligned planting and the creation of bench terraces, which can reduce the likelihood of erosion and surface runoff. According to the results, the erosion plot with bench terraces (N2), during the fourth week of kale planting and the final observation period, experienced the highest rainfall (29.21 mm) but recorded the lowest erosion (0.56 tons/ha) and surface runoff (5.45). In addition to bench terraces, kale exhibited more optimal growth with a 25.22 cm canopy and 12.7 leaves per plant, compared to soil loosening without conservation techniques (plots with soil loosening only). Through the implementation of appropriate soil management and planting adapted to soil characteristics and land suitability for crop canopy development, the utilization of sloping land for agriculture must be able to support sustainable farming.
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