The land suitability for Styrax sp. (frankincense) in its natural habitat (Humbang Hasundutan Regency), aimed at determining suitability criteria based on physical, chemical, biological soil properties, and climate, is still in the process of data analysis for the preparation of land suitability criteria. Several survey parameters and laboratory analysis results have been tabulated for further analysis and discussion. The evaluation results of frankincense land in its natural habitat serve as the mandatory output of this research.

 

Meanwhile, the evaluation results of frankincense land in its current growing areas are considered additional outputs. Land suitability based on soil biophysical properties or land resources before improvements are made to overcome constraints is called actual land suitability. Potential land suitability describes the level of suitability that can be achieved if improvements are made to all land units.

 

The evaluation results show that Land I falls into the moderately suitable class (S2) with limiting factors of rooting media (rc) and nutrient retention (nr). Land II belongs to the marginally suitable class (S3) with the limiting factor of nutrient retention (nr). The other three lands fall into the moderately suitable class (S2) with limiting factors of air availability (wa), nutrient retention (nr), and erosion hazard (eh).

 

These limiting factors are considered severe because water availability (wa) and rooting media (rc) cannot be improved naturally. However, nutrient retention (nr) can be improved through soil liming, application of organic and inorganic fertilizers, and the addition of ash from burning to increase soil pH and fertility. Erosion hazard (eh) can also be reduced by planting along contour lines and constructing terraces. Potentially, after improvements are made, the land classes will be categorized as marginally suitable (S3) in all three sites analyzed.