Peran Amelioran dalam Perbaikan Kualitas Tanah di Lahan Kering

Abstract

Lahan kering di Indonesia mencakup sekitar 76% dari luas daratan dan sebagian besar mengalami degradasi sedang hingga berat akibat keterbatasan air, rendahnya bahan organik, serta pengelolaan tanah yang tidak berkelanjutan. Kondisi ini menurunkan produktivitas tanaman hingga 30–50% dan memperburuk ketahanan pangan nasional. Meskipun kajian tentang amelioran telah berkembang, masih terdapat kekurangan sintesis komprehensif antara efektivitas amelioran organik yang berorientasi jangka panjang dan amelioran anorganik yang bereaksi cepat, khususnya pada tanah Ultisol dan Inceptisol di Nusa Tenggara dan Sulawesi, serta minimnya integrasi faktor sosial-ekonomi petani kecil dengan implikasi kebijakan rehabilitasi lahan kritis. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk meninjau peran amelioran dalam memperbaiki sifat fisik, kimia, dan biologi tanah lahan kering di Indonesia, mengidentifikasi faktor kontekstual yang memengaruhi efektivitasnya, serta merumuskan rekomendasi praktis dan kebijakan. Metode yang digunakan adalah kajian literatur dengan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif terhadap 18 artikel jurnal terakreditasi, prosiding, dan laporan lembaga resmi. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa pupuk kandang meningkatkan kapasitas menahan air sebesar 22% dan N-total 0,15%, biochar meningkatkan porositas tanah 18% serta ketersediaan fosfor 25%, sedangkan dolomit dan kapur pertanian mampu menetralkan keasaman tanah dengan kenaikan pH 1,75–2,05 unit. Kombinasi organik-anorganik terbukti paling efektif, dengan peningkatan hasil tanaman mencapai 50–100% dibandingkan aplikasi tunggal. Keberhasilan penerapan amelioran dipengaruhi oleh jenis tanah, dosis, ketersediaan air, serta kondisi sosial-ekonomi petani, sehingga penerapan terpadu dan berkelanjutan berpotensi menjadi strategi penting dalam rehabilitasi lahan kering dan peningkatan produktivitas pertanian di Indonesia.

The Role of Ameliorants in Soil Quality Improvement in Drylands

Abstract

Dryland areas in Indonesia cover approximately 76% of the total land area, with most experiencing moderate to severe degradation due to water scarcity, low organic matter, and unsustainable land management practices. These conditions reduce crop productivity by 30–50% and exacerbate national food security challenges. Although studies on soil ameliorants have expanded, there remains a significant gap in synthesizing the long-term effectiveness of organic ameliorants versus the rapid effects of inorganic ones, particularly on Ultisol and Inceptisol soils in Nusa Tenggara and Sulawesi. Moreover, limited integration of smallholder socio-economic factors into land rehabilitation policies further constrains practical application. This review aims to examine the role of ameliorants in improving the physical, chemical, and biological properties of dryland soils in Indonesia, identify contextual factors influencing their effectiveness, and provide practical recommendations and policy implications. The study employs a qualitative descriptive literature review of 18 peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, and official reports. Findings indicate that organic ameliorants such as manure increase water-holding capacity by 22% and total nitrogen by 0.15%, while biochar enhances soil porosity by 18% and phosphorus availability by 25%. Inorganic ameliorants such as dolomite and agricultural lime raise soil pH by 1.75–2.05 units and improve calcium and magnesium availability. The combination of organic and inorganic inputs produces synergistic effects, boosting crop yields by 50–100% compared to single applications. Successful implementation depends on soil type, dosage, water availability, and farmer socio-economic conditions, highlighting the need for integrated and sustainable strategies in dryland rehabilitation and agricultural productivity improvement in Indonesia.