Soil erodibility level on Arabica coffee land in Bener Meriah Regency

Abstract Arabica coffee productivity in Bener Meriah Regency is relatively low. The low productivity is related to low soil productivity caused by high levels of erosion. The erosion rate is influenced by five factors: soil, climate, topography, vegetation, and human activity. The topsoil loss rate is also driven by the soil properties, which are defined as factors of soil erodibility. Soil erodibility, represented by the K value, refers to the susceptibility of soil to be damaged by the impact of raindrops or surface flow. This study seeks to assess the soil erodibility levels in Arabica coffee plantations located in Bener Meriah Regency. The research uses quantitative descriptive methods through soil survey data analysis in the field and soil sample examination in the laboratory. Field assessment were conducted on 15 Land Unit Types. The calculation of soil vulnerability to erosion was performed using the method developed by Wischmeier and Smith (1978). The observed parameters consist of soil structure, organic matter, permeability, and texture. The research findings indicated that the erodibility of the soil on Arabica coffee land in Bener Meriah Regency varied from 0.01 to 0.56, representing a range from very low to very high.