Evaluation of Land Suitability for Arabica Coffee Plants (Coffea Arabica) in Garingging Village, Merek District, Karo Regency

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the suitability of land for Arabica coffee plants (Coffea arabica) in Garingging Village, Merek District, Karo Regency. The methods used are land survey, soil sampling by purposive sampling with a diagonal system, and laboratory analysis of soil physical and chemical parameters. The results of the study showed that the average temperature, soil texture, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil depth, and C-organic content are in class S1 (very suitable). However, rainfall and base saturation are in class S3 (marginally suitable), while slope is in class S2 (quite suitable). Overall, the actual land suitability is in class S3 and can be increased to class S2 through improvements to the drainage system and soil liming. These results indicate that the land has good potential for the development of Arabica coffee if proper land management is carried out. This study is expected to be a reference for farmers and stakeholders in planning sustainable coffee cultivation in the area.