BRIS Soil Suitability Assessment on Sweet Potato in Merang- Terengganu Region of Malaysia

Abstract

The research objectives focus on the evaluation of the physical properties of BRIS soil; to investigate the limiting factors for sweet potato crop; also to create the awareness of the farmers as to the fertility and soil characteristics for better sweet potato production and the effort to increase sweet potato crop production. Soil fertility status of soil series are classified as very low to low, except Base Saturation because the soils are strongly influenced by sea movement. Soil fertility status of soil series are classified as very low to low, except Base Saturation because the soils are strongly influenced by sea movement. However, Baging and Rhu Tapai soil suitability in terms of nutrient where mostly M/nU/d, with SU at the slope; for Rudua and Jambu they are mostly S with no trace of some soil criteria. However the needed efforts required in improving the soil capability from actual to potential soil suitability for sweet potato cultivation can be seen in the agronomic requirement table above. Hence, cover the soils with mulch, make sprinkle irrigation, make dam for water holding and retention, give and maintain organic matters in the soils and do not burn biomass, fertilize soils with NPK and organic fertilizers.

Keywords: Suitability, assessment, Bris soil series, Soil Profile, Terengganu