Description:
Soil fertility is the potential for soil to provide nutrients in sufficient quantities in a form that is available and balanced to ensure maximum plant growth. Given the size of Mount Sebatung function of protected forests and land degradation processes that continue to occur, then in the framework of this area of land conservation efforts need to be supported by data information, such as soil fertility status. Accordingly, the level of soil fertility research in the protected forest areas needs to be done. From the results of this study is expected to give consideration in land conservation efforts being undertaken by relevant agencies.
The method used for soil sampling by purposive sampling on 4 observation sites, namely under forest stands have 2 locations; under the stands of fruit orchards and shrubs each 1 observation location. Intact soil samples taken using the ring samples, while for the disturbed soil is done by the composite.
The results showed the level of soil fertility is physically in protected forests of Mount Sebatung generally relatively high (medium). Slope factor (the hilly topography) and soil depth is relatively shallow solum limiting factor in plant growth. While the chemical status of soil fertility, especially under forest stands are relatively higher compared with soil under stands of fruit orchards and shrubs. The low pH of the soil becomes a limiting factor for the availability of soil nutrients, although the contribution of organic material from vegetation above it is quite high.