Morphological characteristics, pedogenic processes and classification of wetland soils in Musi Banyuasin, Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Issue Date

6-2005

Abstract

Information and knowledge on the characteristics of wetland soils would be the key to their successful conversion to crop production and their management. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the morphological characteristics of soils in the coastal wetlands of Musi Banyuasin, Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Seven pedons used in the study were collected along the established transect line that stretches to about 70 km from the coastline and into the better drained inland areas. Mottling and ripeness of wetland soils from Musi Banyuasin varied with the distance from the water source. Pedons with more abundant mottles and deeper ripe layers were found in areas farthest from the sea, especially away from waterways. All the soils were formed from marine sediments as they all showed a positive reaction to H2O2, a common test for sulfidic material. The mineralogical composition of the sediments consisted mostly of quartz, volcanic glass, labradorite, sanidine and rock fragments for the primary minerals while kaolinite, smectite and illite were predominant among the secondary minerals or the clay fraction. Wetland soils in Musi Banyuasin were generally less developed compared to those in other better-drained areas. It was only in the better-drained pedons of 6 and 7, those farthest from the coastline, where the development of a cambic horizon was noted. Even then, both pedons still showed so much mottling, indicating that the site remains subject to alternate reduction and oxidation, conditions that can also slow down soil formation. The two soil orders observed in the study area were Entisols (Sulfic Endoaquents, Haplic Sulfaquents and Sulfic Hydraquents) and Inceptisols (Histic Humaquepts).

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist

ISSN

317454

Volume

88

Issue

2

Page

224-235

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Digital Copy

None

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