EVALUASI SIFAT FISIK DAN KIMIA TANAH SEBAGAI INDIKATOR KESIAPAN LAHAN UNTUK REPLANTING KELAPA SAWIT (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Oil palm is a strategic plantation commodity whose productivity is strongly influenced by soil conditions. Continuous land utilization throughout a planting cycle can degrade soil quality and potentially impede the growth and development of plants during the subsequent replanting phase. This study aimed to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of soil in oil palm plantations prior to replanting as a basis for formulating soil fertility management recommendations. The research was conducted from January to February 2026 at PT Abdi Budi Mulia (Teluk Panji I Estate, Division III) using a survey method with a quantitative approach. Sampling points were determined using a diagonal pattern of nine points per planting block. Disturbed soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–20 cm from five planting blocks and subsequently composited by block, whereas undisturbed samples were collected using ring samplers; all samples were analyzed in the laboratory. The parameters evaluated included bulk density, soil texture, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, soil pH (H₂O), and the C/N ratio. Data were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that bulk density across all planting blocks was classified as moderate (0.83–0.98 g cm⁻³). The dominant soil textures were sandy loam and sandy clay loam. Chemical analyses revealed organic carbon levels ranging from moderate to very high (2.93–5.64%), total nitrogen from low to moderate (0.14–0.26%), available phosphorus from very low to low (5.38–11.82 ppm), exchangeable potassium from low to moderate (0.20–0.51 me/100g), soil pH from acidic to slightly acidic (5.1–6.0), and C/N ratios from high to very high (20.4–25.1%). The low availability of phosphorus and nitrogen, coupled with acidic soil conditions, underscores the necessity of restoring soil fertility through balanced fertilization tailored to crop requirements.