Sifat Fisik dan Kimia Tanah pada Hutan Mangrove Kawasan Delta Mahakam Kabupaten Kutai Kartanegara

Abstract

Mahakam Delta mangrove forests face increasing pressure from land conversion into aquaculture ponds, leading to changes in soil physical and chemical properties. This study aimed to analyze soil physical and chemical conditions across three distinct areas nipah (Nypa fruticans), white mangrove (Avicennia marina), and open land in Muara Kembang Village, Muara Jawa District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency. Soil samples were collected using purposive sampling and then analyzed at the Soil Science Laboratory of Mulawarman University. Results showed that physically, the nipah area had stable silty clay loam texture and the highest soil organic matter (SOM) content. The white mangrove  area exhibited texture variation between depths, from sandy loam (0-20 cm) to silty clay loam (20-40 cm). The open area showed increasingly coarser texture with depth and the lowest SOM. The nipah area demonstrated the best soil chemical fertility, with relatively higher pH, CEC, and nutrient content. The physical and chemical conditions of the soil in the open area indicate the need for rehabilitation through planned replanting of mangrove vegetation, as well as strengthened monitoring and regulation of mangrove land conversion into aquaculture ponds, in order to maintain the long-term sustainability of the Mahakam Delta ecosystem