Comparison of Soil Compaction in Bed Areas and Tractor Wheel Tracks in Sugarcane Plantations at Takalar Sugar Factory Wina Safitri (a*), Ambo Ala (a), Sikstus Gusli (a), Iqbal (a)
(a) Hasanuddin University
*whynasafitrikp[at]gmail.com
Abstract
Soil strength is the main indicator to determine the ability of the soil to withstand changes when under pressure from the outside, for example when tilling using mechanization tools. Soil compaction can inhibit root penetration and result in impaired nutrient absorption. This study aims to determine how much soil compaction in sugarcane land at Takalar factory (PG Takalar). The method used is the measurement of soil permeability by direct sampling in the field with calculations based on Darcy^s law. Determination of the gauge of the compressive force on the soil is by direct measurement in the field using a proving ring penetrometer. The results showed that the soil permeability of sugarcane land at PG Takalar was 1.72 cm/hour in the raised beds area and 1.05 cm/hour on the tractor wheel track. The compressive force required by the cone penetrometer to penetrate the soil layer in the bed area is 50 kgf at a depth of 0-10 cm and 60 kgf at a depth of 0-20 cm. The amount of compressive force required on the tractor wheel track is 70 kgf at a depth of 0-10 cm, and 80 kgf at a depth of 10-20. The cone penetrometer cannot penetrate the soil at a depth of >20 cm. The value of permeability and the required compressive force indicates that the soil is compacting.
