Analisis Karakteristik Biofisik Lahan Salin di Desa Sei Siur, Kecamatan Pangkalan Susu

Abstrak

Saline land is one of the limiting factors in agricultural land management, particularly in lowland coastal areas that are affected by seawater intrusion, poor drainage, evaporation, and salt accumulation. This study aimed to analyze the biophysical characteristics of saline land in Sei Siur Village, Pangkalan Susu District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra. The research was conducted using a descriptive survey method through field observation and direct measurement at ten sampling points. The observed parameters included geographic coordinates, slope condition, altitude, soil moisture, and soil temperature. The results showed that all sampling points were located at an altitude of 5–10 m above sea level, with the land slope classified as slightly sloping. Soil moisture varied widely among sampling points, ranging from 0% to 90%, with an average value of 37.6%. The highest soil moisture was recorded at sampling point III, while several points showed very dry conditions. Soil temperature ranged from 30.4°C to 33.0°C, with an average of 31.82°C, indicating a relatively warm lowland soil environment. The variation in soil moisture and temperature indicates differences in micro-land conditions, vegetation cover, drainage, and surface exposure. These conditions may influence salt movement and accumulation in the soil surface layer. Therefore, saline land management in Sei Siur Village should focus on improving drainage, maintaining soil moisture, increasing organic matter input, and using ground cover vegetation to reduce evaporation. Further research involving electrical conductivity, pH, soil texture, bulk density, porosity, and permeability is recommended to determine the salinity status and physical soil quality more accurately.