Scientific Contribution: Land Use for Vegetable Production in Upland Areas of Indonesia

Arsanti, I.W. and Böhme, M. 2007. Land Use for Vegetable Production in Upland Areas of Indonesia. Mineral versus Organic Fertilization Conflict or Synergism?; 16th International Symposium of the International Scientific Centre for Fertilizer (CIEC), Gent University, Belgium

Abstract

Upland soils of Indonesia have great potential for the future development of vegetable production. With the continuation of intensive vegetable cultivation, land degradation is likely to occur in sloping areas. Common problems encountered in Vegetable Farming Systems (VFS) in upland areas of Indonesia are erosion, inappropriate application of fertiliser, inappropriate crop rotation and water shortage . Based on this problem analyses, studies have been carried out to describe the existing conditions and to give suggestions to develop farming systems for productive and sustainable land utilization. The studies were conducted in three vegetable production centres in upland areas: Pangalengan, Cisangkuy Watershed, Kejajar, Serayu Watershed and Berastagi-Simpang Empat, Wampu Watershed. The investigations showed misuse of the land, conservation problem such as land degradation, erosion and runoff. In Pangalengan area, erosion are limited, unlike those in Berastagi-Simpang Empat and Kejajar which are very high. Appropriate farming systems should be developed to improve soil quality and to set up an economically viable and ecologically sound production of vegetables. The activities have to be emphasized on fertiliser use efficiency, soil testing, soil microbiology, organic matter management, water management, soil erosion control, soil rehabilitation, institutional development and integrated farming systems based on mixed crops, tree crops and livestock.