Subsoil mineralogy as environmental factors in controlling topsoil material in the Menoreh-Sumbing volcanic structural transitional landscape, Central Java

Authors

  • Rina Purwaningsih Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Environmental Science, The Graduate School, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
  • Hartanti Hartanti Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
  • Dema A. H. Hatta Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
  • Salma D. Ariyanti Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
  • Hening A. Putri Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
  • Diva A. Paradisa Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
  • Idha K. Dewi Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
  • Erica G. A. Priyawati Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
  • Elgiva P. Stakhis Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
  • Ghaisani Salsabila Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
  • Halim Mashum Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
  • Nur Ainun H. J. Pulungan Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
  • Handayani Suci Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
  • Sartohadi Junun Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
  • Gomez Christopher Kobe University, Faculty of Maritime Science, 5-1-1 Fukaeminami-machi Higashinada-ku, 658-0022 Kobe, Japan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24425/jwld.2025.156041

Keywords

farmer adaptation strategies, land resources management, pedogenic processes, subsoil material, topsoil characteristic

Abstract

Subsoil mineralogy significantly influences in shaping topsoil properties and affecting agricultural land management, particularly in volcanic-structural landscapes. This study examines the control of subsoil characteristics on topsoil development in the Menoreh-Sumbing transitional landscape. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and aerial imagery were used to analyse surface topography and agricultural land use patterns. Field surveys and laboratory tests assessed the physico-chemical properties of 294 topsoil samples, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses characterised the subsoil’s mineral composition. Results indicate that >85% of the topsoil samples have clay textures, with structure types such as columnar and blocky, indicative of compaction and reduced water permeability. Most samples showed moderate to poor ratings in physical and chemical parameters, such as porosity, infiltration, and bulk density. Subsoil analysis revealed dominance of secondary weathering minerals, particularly kaolinite, and quartz, indicating advanced pedogenic processes under intense leaching. These mineralogical properties contribute to hard, compact, and dry surface conditions, as confirmed through farmer interviews. Farmer interviews verified these findings, with many reporting sticky, dry, and hard soil conditions that impede cultivation. Adaptive strategies ranged from manual hoeing and manure application to complex systems involving mechanical tools, chemical fertilisers, and organic amendments. This study highlights that subsoil in the study area actively influences topsoil development and land use practices. The findings emphasise the need for site-specific interventions that address subsoil constraints to enhance agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

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Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

Purwaningsih, Rina, et al. “Subsoil Mineralogy As Environmental Factors in Controlling Topsoil Material in the Menoreh-Sumbing Volcanic Structural Transitional Landscape, Central Java”. Journal of Water and Land Development, vol. 67, no. 67, Dec. 2025, pp. 73-85, doi:10.24425/jwld.2025.156041.

Issue

No. 67 (2025)

Section

Articles

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