Chemical Characgteristics of oil Under Persimmon Tree Stand (STANDS (Diospyros kaki) Used as Cover Crop of Coffee Plants at Gayo Highlands. Aceh

Abstract

The study was conducted to examine the chemical characteristics of soil under persimmon tree stands  (Diospyros kaki) that were used as a cover crop for coffee plants at the Gayo Highlands, Aceh (Bener Meriah and Central Aceh Regency). The chemical characteristics consisted of pH, Cation Exchange Capacity, Base Saturation, Organic-C, and C/N Ratio. The study was conducted from January to July 2022, using ex-post facto method, and was designed using factorial randomized block design consisting of 2 factors, namely the gradient of the slope, consisting of L1 (flat, 0-3%), L2 (sloping, 3-8 %), L3 (undulating, 8-15%) and L4 (hilly, 15-25%); and the soil depth, consisting of D1 (0-20 cm) and D2 (30-60 cm). The data then were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The results showed that the chemical characteristics of the soil were not significantly different at different gradients. The soil's Organic-C content was significantly higher at 0-20 cm depth but there were no significant differences in pH, Cation Exchange Capacity, Base Saturation, and Soil C/N ratio between the different depths. Persimmon tree stands at the Gayo Highlands need to be maintained and improved by adding other non-coffee plants such as leguminous trees.