TITLE:
Status and Nutrient Requirement Index of Patchouli on Inceptisols of Aceh, Indonesia
AUTHORS:
Zuraida Zuraida, Sufardi Sufardi, Helmi Helmi, Yadi Jufri, Nurul Fitria
KEYWORDS:
Inceptisols, Soil Quality, Nutrient Status, Patchouli
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Environment,
Vol.15 No.2,
May
12,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study assessed macronutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) and micronutrient (Fe) status and determined the nutrient requirement index for patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth) cultivated on the Inceptisols in Lhoong District, Aceh Besar (1325.26 ha). Topsoil samples (0 - 20 cm) were collected from 26 composite points representing six land units, stratified by slope (0% - 8% and 8% - 15%) and land use. Soil analyses included pH, organic C, total N, available P, exchangeable K, Ca, Mg, and available Fe. Results indicated acidic to slightly acidic soils (pH 5.50 - 5.80) with variable organic C (1.92% - 6.40%). Nutrient status varied across land units, with N, P, Mg, and Fe identified as limiting nutrients, while K and Ca were generally sufficient. Suboptimal cation ratios indicated potential nutrient imbalance. These findings highlight the need for site-specific nutrient management. It is recommended to prioritize N, P, Mg, and Fe inputs, combined with organic amendments and liming to improve soil pH, enhance nutrient availability, and sustain patchouli productivity.