Evaluation of Land Suitability for Vegetable and Fruit Crops to Support the Free Nutritious Meal Program on the Bina Umat Islamic Boarding School Grounds

Abstract

The land owned by the Bina Umat Islamic Boarding School in Tempel Hamlet, Pendoworejo, Girimulyo, Kulon Progo, Special Region of Yogyakarta, located in the Menoreh Mountains, is classified as Alfisol soil. This soil exhibits low quality and fertility due to the leaching of basic cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na), low organic matter content, low pH, high levels of Al and Fe, and low phosphorus (P) availability. These conditions severely limit the land's agricultural potential. The Bina Umat Islamic Boarding School operates a kitchen that provides free, nutritious meals to its students and the general public. The government's Free Nutritious Meal (FNM) program requires a supply of high-quality raw ingredients. This study aims to assess land suitability for fruit and vegetable crops and determine how this information can support the school's FNM program. A descriptive survey method was employed. Purposive sampling based on slope gradient resulted in the selection of 16 sampling points. Data analysis involved matching land characteristics against crop suitability criteria as outlined in the Technical Guidelines for Land Suitability Evaluation for Agricultural Commodities (2011). The results indicate that the actual land suitability class for fruit and vegetable crops is S3 (Marginally Suitable). With improvements to address limiting factors, the land has the potential to reach class S2 (Moderately Suitable). The limiting factors identified at the site include excessively rapid soil drainage, low base saturation, and shallow soil depth.