Evaluation of Soil Fertility Status on Patchouli Cultivation Land (<i>Pogostemon cablin</i> Benth.) In Tenggulun District, Aceh Tamiang

Abstract Patchouli oil is the main commodity of Indonesian essential oil exports. Soil fertility in cultivated land is one of the main factors that affect the productivity of patchouli plants, which is soil fertility. This study aims to determine soil fertility status in patchouli cultivation land in Tenggulun District, Aceh Tamiang Regency. The study was conducted by surveying soil characteristics supported by soil chemical analysis in the laboratory. Soil sampling was carried out on 4 Land Map Units (LMU). The parameters of soil chemical properties observed include: C-organic content, cation exchange capacity, P-available, Potassium content, base saturation and soil pH. The results showed that soil fertility status at the study location was classified as low. Only the C-organic and Cation Exchange Capacity parameters at LMU 1, 2 and 3 were classified as high to very high. Then the P-available parameter at LMU 4 was classified as very high. In addition, all parameters are only classified as very low to moderate at all LMUs. The very acidic soil pH content, very low to low Base Saturation and Potassium content are the main limiting factors of Soil Fertility Status at the research location. Recommended land management to increase soil fertility is to increase soil pH by adding dolomite lime.