Research Article

Soil Quality Index for Dragon Fruit Plantations in Aimas District Sorong Regency

Nurul Fajeriana*, Akhmad Ali and Muzna Ardin Abdul Gafur

1,2,3Department of Agriculture, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sorong, Papua Barat Daya, Indonesia.

Abstract |This study was conducted to assess soil quality in dragon fruit plantations in Aimas District, Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua, with the aim of identifying factors affecting agricultural productivity and sustainability. The methods employed included surveys with descriptive analysis, encompassing field observations and laboratory analyses of soil samples. The results indicate that the soil at the site has a clayey texture with moderate bulk density and slightly acidic pH, but relatively low nitrogen and phosphorus content. The Soil Quality Index (SQI) calculated based on Mausbach and Seybold’s criteria shows a value of 0.3028, indicating low soil quality with a need for improvement in nutrient management and soil structure. The conclusion of the study highlights the necessity for better soil management to enhance fertility and support dragon fruit productivity, as well as to mitigate the negative impacts of unsustainable agricultural practices.


Received | Aug 01 2024; Accepted | Jul 15, 2025; Published | October 23, 2025

*Correspondence | Nurul Fajeriana, Department of Agriculture, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sorong, Papua Barat Daya, Indonesia. Email: [email protected]

Citation | Fajeriana, N., A. Ali and M.A.A. Gafur. 2025. Soil Quality index for dragon fruit plantations in aimas district sorong regency. Sarhad Jurnal of Agriculture, 41(4): 1616-1626.

DOI | https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2025/41.4.1616.1626

Keywords | Soil-quality, Dragon fruit, SQI, Agriculture, Soil-science, Papua.

Copyright: 2025 by the authors. Licensee ResearchersLinks Ltd, England, UK.

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).



Introduction

Soil is a vital natural resource for both human life and ecosystems. As the primary medium for plant growth, soil quality plays a crucial role in determining agricultural yields. Fertile and high-quality soil supports plants in acquiring nutrients, water, and physical stability. Soil quality assessment is essential, considering the threats of land degradation due to environmentally unfriendly agricultural practices, such as excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, erosion, and improper land management (Nabiollahi et al., 2018). Land degradation can lead to decreased soil fertility, reduced crop productivity, and ultimately affect farmer income and the sustainability of agricultural systems.

The Agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable to soil degradation. Unsustainable practices not only degrade soil structure but also reduce its biological and chemical functionality. As noted by Bünemann et al., 2018; Raiesi, 2017, this decline necessitates urgent attention to soil management, especially in plantation and horticultural systems.

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) plantations in the Aimas District, Sorong Regency, have experienced significant growth in recent years. Dragon fruit is known for its high nutritional value and health benefits, making it a popular commodity in both local and international markets. The increasing demand for dragon fruit has encouraged farmers in the Aimas District to expand their plantation areas. However, this rapid growth also brings challenges in land management. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, for example, can damage soil structure and reduce its fertility in the long term. Additionally, improper land cultivation can accelerate erosion and reduce the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients, thus hindering plant growth (Fajeriana et al., 2024).

Maintaining optimal soil conditions is therefore essential for supporting healthy dragon fruit growth. Key soil quality indicators such as organic matter content, pH, texture, porosity, and drainage must be monitored and managed. Organic matter improves soil structure, enhances water-holding capacity, and supports microbial activity. (Lal, 2020a) highlights that organic matter helps in maintaining soil structure and increasing the soil’s capacity to retain water. In the Aimas District, excessive use of chemical fertilizers often replaces organic waste management practices, leading to a decrease in organic matter content in the soil. This condition negatively impacts soil fertility and the soil’s ability to support plant growth.

Additionally, soil pH is another critical factor in soil quality assessment. Dragon fruit plants require a specific soil pH for optimal growth. Soils with pH that is too low (acidic) or too high (alkaline) can inhibit nutrient availability to plants. (Mukherjee & Lal, 2014a) note that inappropriate pH levels can cause nutrient deficiencies in plants, even if nutrient content in the soil is adequate. Therefore, proper soil pH management is crucial to ensure the growth and productivity of dragon fruit plants.

Another common issue is nutrient deficiency in the soil. Dragon fruit plants need nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for growth and development. Imbalanced fertilizer use and soil erosion can lead to nutrient deficiencies. (Vasu et al., 2016) emphasize the importance of nutrient balance in the soil to ensure plant health and productivity. Nutrient deficiencies can inhibit plant growth, reduce productivity, and lower the quality of the fruit produced.

Soil texture and drainage are also important factors affecting soil quality. Soil with inappropriate texture or poor structure can lead to drainage problems, especially in conditions of heavy rainfall (Wang et al., 2021) Waterlogged or saturated soil can impede root growth and trigger plant disease issues. Good drainage is necessary to ensure that plant roots receive adequate oxygen and to prevent the accumulation of pathogens that can harm plants. Research on soil quality indices in dragon fruit plantations in the Aimas District, Sorong Regency, is crucial for understanding soil conditions and factors affecting plantation productivity. The findings of this study are expected to provide useful information for farmers in managing soil sustainably, improving dragon fruit productivity and quality, and maintaining environmental sustainability.

By understanding and addressing the issues related to soil quality, it is hoped that dragon fruit plantations in the Aimas District can develop better, providing greater economic benefits to the local community and preserving natural resources. This research can also serve as a reference for developing sustainable soil management strategies in other areas with similar conditions.

Methodology

The research was conducted from June to December 2024 at dragon fruit plantations located in the Aimas District, Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua.

Materials and Methods

The materials used in this research include soil samples from the dragon fruit plantation, chemicals for soil analysis in the laboratory, and water. The equipment used includes sampling rings, GPS, soil augers, plastic bags, writing tools, digital cameras, and laboratory equipment for analyzing soil physical and chemical properties.

This study employed a survey method with descriptive analysis, combining field observations and laboratory testing. Field surveys were conducted to gather primary data on the general biophysical conditions of the dragon fruit plantation area, while soil physical and chemical properties were determined through laboratory analysis. Soil sampling was carried out

 

using the Systematic Grid Sampling method with a fixed interval of 40 meters, resulting in eight sampling points that represented the spatial variability across the site. The locations were determined based on a grid pattern laid over the plantation map to ensure even coverage.

All soil samples were taken at a uniform depth of 0–20 cm, corresponding to the topsoil layer where most root activity occurs. Each sampling point was replicated three times (triplicates) to improve accuracy and reliability. This approach ensured that the samples were statistically valid for representing the site conditions and suitable for Soil Quality Index (SQI) analysis.

Soil sampling was divided into two stages for each dragon fruit plantation in Sorong Regency:

  1. Disturbed Soil Samples (Composite): This involved cleaning the land cover if present, then inserting the soil auger from the topsoil (surface layer) to a certain depth, with approximately 1 kg of soil sampled at each point in each plantation.
  2. Undisturbed Soil Samples: This was done by extracting soil samples using sampling rings embedded into the soil, then cutting the soil at the boundary of the sampling ring.

Observation of the surrounding area at each sampling point was recorded in the Soil Profile Information List (SPIL), including landform, vegetation, soil drainage conditions, soil depth, flood hazard level, soil structure, soil texture, soil consistency, surface rock conditions, and erosion level.

Laboratory soil analysis

(a). Disturbed Soil Samples (Composite) for Chemical Properties Analysis:

(b). Undisturbed Soil Samples for Physical Properties Testing:

The Soil Quality Index (SQI) was calculated based on the criteria established by (Mausbach & Seybold, 1998) and modified by (Partoyo, 2005). The SQI analysis was performed based on the laboratory analysis data for selected soil quality indicators, including pH (H2O), organic carbon (C-organic), total nitrogen (N-total), available phosphorus

 

Table 1: Soil function evaluation table

Function

Weight

Soil indicator

Unit

Weight

Weight

Weighted index

Function evaluation

Lower limit

Upper limit

1

2

3

(1x2x3)

x1

y2

x1

y2

Sustaining biological activity

0.4

Root media

0.33

Root depth

cm

0.6

0.080

20

0

80

1

Bulk density (BD)

g/cm

0.4

0.053

0.6

0

1.4

1

Soil fertility

0.33

Porosity

%

0.2

0.027

10

0

55

1

C-organic

%

0.4

0.053

0.6

0

2

1

Silt + clay

%

0.4

0.053

0

0

100

1

Nutrients

0.33

pH

0.1

0.013

4

0

8.2

1

Available P

ppm

0.2

0.027

4

0

10

1

Exchangeable K

cmol/kg

0.2

0.027

0.05

0

1

1

C-organic

%

0.3

0.040

0.6

0

2

1

Total N

%

0.2

0.027

0.15

0

2.5

1

Water regulation and distribution

0.3

Silt + clay

%

0.6

0.18

0

0

100

1

Porosity

%

0.2

0.06

10

0

55

1

Bulk density

g/cm

0.2

0.06

0.6

0

1.4

1

Filtering and buffering

0,3

Silt + clay

%

0.6

0.18

0

0

100

1

Porosity

%

0.1

0.03

10

0

55

1

Microbiological processes

%

0.3

C-organic

%

0.5

0.045

0.6

0

2

1

Total-N

%

0.5

0.045

0.15

0

2.5

1

Total

1.00

 

Source: Mausbach and seybold (1998, as cited in partoyo, 2005).

 

(P-available), exchangeable potassium (K-exchangeable), root depth, texture (fraction size), bulk density, and porosity (Table 1).

This table provides a detailed evaluation of soil functions based on various indicators, their weights, and the corresponding function evaluations. The Weighted Index column reflects how well the soil performs according to the specified criteria, with a higher index indicating better performance in each function.

According to (Partoyo, 2005), the steps for calculating the index are as follows:

This formula provides a normalized score based on the observed data compared to established thresholds for soil quality indicators.

In the Linear Scoring Function (LSF) formula, where:

YYY is the linear score,

In soil quality assessment, the Soil Quality Index (SQI) is calculated using the following formula:

The Soil Quality Index (SQI) is then categorized into five quality classes as shown in the table below:

 

Table 2: Soil quality classification based on soil quality index (SQI) values

No.

SQI value range

Soil quality criterion

1

0.80 – 1.00

Very Good (VG)

2

0.60 – 0.79

Good (G)

3

0.40 – 0.59

Moderate (M)

4

0.20 – 0.39

Poor (P)

5

0.00 – 0.19

Very Poor (VP)

 

Source: Partoyo (2005).

 

Soil physical and chemical properties

The results of the soil physical, chemical properties, and root depth analyses for each sample point are presented in Table 3.

The visualizations above illustrate the spatial variation of key soil quality parameters and the Soil Quality Index (SQI) across eight sampling points in the dragon fruit plantation. These figures help to clarify the differences and similarities in soil conditions, thereby supporting the interpretation of laboratory data. Based on the accompanying table, we can further analyze the physical and chemical properties of the soil, as well as root depth, at each sampling point in the plantation. A detailed discussion is presented below:

Root depth

The root depth across the sample points ranges from 51.3 cm to 56 cm, indicating consistent soil conditions that support similar rooting depths. The depth varies slightly among the samples, with the maximum depth observed at sample point 6 (56 cm) and the minimum at sample point 3 (51.3 cm). This uniformity suggests that the soil profile across the plantation is fairly consistent, allowing for similar root penetration (Mekonnen et al., 2015).

 

Table 3: Laboratory analysis of soil physical and chemical properties and root depth at each sample point.

Property

Unit

Sample

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Root depth

cm

54

52.8

51.3

55.2

52.2

56

54.7

53.4

Soil texture

- Sand

%

10

9

8

8

9

10

9

10

- Silt

%

29

26

35

34

36

30

33

32

- Clay

%

61

64

56

58

55

60

58

58

Bulk density (BD)

g/cm³

1.11

1.14

1.12

1.14

1.11

1.13

1.15

1.14

Particle density (PD)

g/cm³

2.51

2.49

2.48

2.46

2.51

2.47

2.45

2.46

Porosity

%

56

54

55

55

56

54

54

54

Permeability

cm/hour

1.99

2.87

2.32

2.22

2.68

2.51

2.55

2.38

pH (H2O)

5.35

5.71

5.69

5.32

5.70

5.89

5.65

5.73

Total N

%

0.13

0.16

0.14

0.12

0.13

0.12

0.14

0.14

Organic C

%

1.16

1.27

1.17

1.13

1.09

1.19

1.15

1.14

C/N Rasio

9

8

8

10

8

10

8

8

Available P2O5

ppm

10.67

8.91

9.91

9.88

10.34

10.55

9.77

10.43

Exchangeable K

cmol/kg

0.51

0.52

0.50

0.50

0.51

0.50

0.52

0.54

Exchangeable Na

cmol/kg

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Cation exchange capacity (CEC)

cmol/kg

23.31

22.88

22.41

23.34

23.42

23.50

24.12

23.44

Base saturation (KB)

%

24

27

25

25

26

27

27

27

 

Notes: Organic C (C-organic); BD (bulk density); PD (particle density); P (porosity); Ksat (saturated hydraulic conductivity).

 

 

Soil texture

The soil texture is predominantly clay across all sample points, with clay content ranging from 55% to 64%. The sand content is low, between 8% and 10%, and the silt content varies from 26% to 36%. The high clay content suggests that the soil has a high water retention capacity but may also present challenges related to drainage and aeration. This texture can impact the availability of nutrients and the overall health of the dragon fruit plants (Weil & Brady, 2016).

Bulk density (BD) and particle density (PD)

The bulk density values range from 1.11 g/cm³ to 1.15 g/cm³, indicating the soil is moderately compacted. The particle density is relatively consistent, ranging from 2.45 g/cm³ to 2.51 g/cm³. The porosity, derived from these values, ranges from 54% to 56%, suggesting that the soil has a moderate amount of pore space. This level of porosity is beneficial for water and air movement within the soil, which is crucial for root respiration and nutrient uptake (Hillel, 2003).

Permeability

The permeability values range from 1.99 cm/hour to 2.87 cm/hour, indicating moderate permeability. This range suggests that the soil allows water to pass through at a moderate rate, which can be advantageous for preventing waterlogging and ensuring sufficient water availability to the plants. However, the moderate rate also means there is a potential risk of nutrient leaching (Carter & Gregorich, 2007).

Soil pH

The soil pH values range from 5.32 to 5.89, which falls within the slightly acidic range. This pH range is generally suitable for the growth of dragon fruit, as it facilitates the availability of essential nutrients. However, the pH being on the lower side indicates a potential need for monitoring and possibly adjusting to avoid issues related to nutrient deficiencies (Hopkins, 2001).

Nutrient content

 

Table 4. Results of soil quality index calculation based on soil functions.

Soil function

Weight

Soil indicator

Unit

Weight

Weight

Index weight

Evaluation function

Lower limit

Upper limit

Preserve biological activity

0.4

Root zone

0.33

Root depth

cm

0.6

0.080

20

0

80

Bulk density

g cm-³

0.4

0.053

0.6

0

1.4

Moisture

0.33

Porosity

%

0.2

0.027

10

0

55

Organic carbon

%

0.4

0.053

0.6

0

2

Silt + Clay

%

0.4

0.053

0

0

100

Nutrient status

0.33

pH

0.1

0.013

4

0

8.2

Available P

ppm

0.2

0.027

4

0

10

Exchangeable K

cmol kg-¹

0.2

0.027

0.05

0

1

Organic carbon

%

0.3

0.040

0.6

0

2

Total N

%

0.2

0.027

0.15

0

2.5

Water regulation and distribution

0.3

Silt + Clay

%

0.6

0.18

0

0

100

Porosity

%

0.2

0.06

10

0

55

Bulk density

g cm-³

0.2

0.06

0.6

0

1.4

Filtering and buffering

0.3

Silt + Clay

%

0.6

0.18

0

0

100

Porosity

%

0.1

0.03

10

0

55

Microbiological processes

%

0.3

Organic carbon

%

0.5

0.045

0.6

0

2

Total N

%

0.5

0.045

0.15

0

2.5

Total

1.00

Soil quality index (SQI) calculation:

SQI: 0.3028

 

Source: Average data measurements in the field.

 

The soil in the dragon fruit plantations in Aimas District exhibits characteristics typical of clay soils, with moderate porosity, permeability, and nutrient content. While the physical properties suggest adequate water retention and structural support, the chemical properties indicate a potential need for nutrient management, particularly in addressing the low levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. The slightly acidic pH is suitable for dragon fruit cultivation, but ongoing monitoring and soil management are necessary to maintain optimal growing conditions and improve productivity.

To calculate the Soil Quality Index (SQI) for the root zone at a depth of 56 cm, we will follow the provided framework, which includes three main soil functions: maintaining biological activity, regulating and distributing water, and filtering and buffering. Each function has a set of indicators with associated weights. We’ll compute the index by normalizing the soil parameter values, multiplying by their respective weights, and summing the contributions.

This table provides a detailed breakdown of the soil quality indicators and their respective weights, used to calculate the Soil Quality Index for the root zone at a depth of 56 cm. The Soil Quality Index (SQI) results for the dragon fruit plantation in Aimas District indicate the overall health and functionality of the soil in supporting agricultural activities. The index calculations, based on various soil functions, provide a comprehensive assessment of the soil’s ability to maintain biological activity, regulate and distribute water, and act as a filter and buffer.

Maintaining biological activity

This function, with a weight of 0.4, evaluates the soil’s capacity to support biological processes essential for plant growth. The indicators include rooting depth, bulk density, porosity, organic carbon, and nutrient availability (N-total, available P, exchangeable K). The calculated weighted index for this function is 0.080, suggesting that the soil provides an adequate environment for root development and biological activity. The rooting depth across the samples ranged from 51.3 cm to 56 cm, and the organic carbon content was between 1.09% and 1.27%. The pH values were slightly acidic, ranging from 5.32 to 5.89, which is generally favorable for most crops (Mukherjee & Lal, 2014b). However, the total nitrogen and available phosphorus levels were relatively low, indicating potential nutrient limitations.

Water regulation and distribution

This function, weighted at 0.3, assesses the soil’s ability to manage water infiltration, storage, and drainage. It includes indicators such as the percentage of clay and silt, porosity, and bulk density. The weighted index for this function is 0.18, reflecting the soil’s relatively good structure and porosity, with porosity values ranging from 54% to 56%. The bulk density values were around 1.11 g/cm³ to 1.15 g/cm³, which are within the acceptable range for agricultural soils (Lal, 2020b). The soil texture being predominantly clay could potentially limit water infiltration but also enhances water retention, beneficial in the dry season.

Filtering and buffering capacity

With a weight of 0.3, this function evaluates the soil’s capability to filter and buffer contaminants, which is crucial for maintaining environmental quality. The indicators include the percentage of clay and silt, porosity, and the organic carbon and nitrogen contents. The weighted index for this function is also 0.18. The relatively high clay content, combined with organic matter, enhances the soil’s capacity to adsorb and degrade pollutants, thus protecting the ecosystem. The organic carbon content, while modest, provides a good substrate for microbial activity, essential for nutrient cycling and pollutant breakdown (Fajeriana et al., 2024).

The overall soil quality index values indicate a moderately good soil condition for the dragon fruit plantations. The soil has a decent ability to support biological activity and manage water, crucial for the growth and productivity of dragon fruit. However, the slightly acidic pH and lower levels of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus suggest that soil fertility management should be improved. Regular soil amendments with organic matter and balanced fertilization could enhance soil fertility and productivity (Cherubin et al., 2017).

Moreover, the high clay content, while beneficial for water retention, may pose challenges for water infiltration during heavy rainfall, potentially leading to waterlogging and associated root diseases. Thus, proper drainage management should be considered to mitigate these risks.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The assessment of the Soil Quality Index (SQI) for the dragon fruit plantations in Aimas District, Sorong Regency, has provided a comprehensive overview of the soil’s health and its capacity to support sustainable agricultural practices. The calculated SQI value of 0.3028 suggests that the soil quality is generally moderate, indicating that while the soil is capable of supporting dragon fruit cultivation, there are some limitations that need to be addressed to enhance productivity and sustainability.

The soil’s predominantly clay texture is advantageous for water retention, which helps mitigate drought stress. However, the soil exhibits slightly acidic pH levels, with values ranging from 5.32 to 5.89, which can limit nutrient availability and uptake. The relatively low total nitrogen (N-total) content, ranging from 0.12% to 0.16%, and phosphorus (P2O5) levels, between 8.91 ppm and 10.67 ppm, highlight a need for improved nutrient management to support optimal plant growth.

The organic carbon content, which varies from 1.09% to 1.27%, is adequate but could be further enhanced to promote better soil structure and microbial activity. Increasing the organic matter content through the use of organic fertilizers or compost can improve soil health and fertility. Additionally, the soil’s bulk density (BD) values, ranging from 1.11 g/cm³ to 1.15 g/cm³, and porosity, between 54% and 56%, indicate moderate soil compaction, which can be alleviated by proper soil management practices.

In conclusion, while the soil quality in the dragon fruit plantations of Aimas District is sufficient for current agricultural activities, there is significant potential for improvement. Targeted soil management strategies, including balanced fertilization, pH adjustment, and organic matter addition, can enhance the soil’s nutrient profile, structure, and overall health. These improvements will not only support better crop yields but also ensure the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices in the region.

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Muhammadiyah Research Grant (Hibah Riset Muhammadiyah) Batch VII 2023, awarded by the Majelis Pendidikan Tinggi, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan, Pimpinan Pusat Muhammadiyah.

Novelty Statement

This study presents a pioneering assessment of soil quality specifically tailored to dragon fruit plantations in Aimas District, Sorong Regency. By developing a comprehensive Soil Quality Index (SQI), this research fills a critical gap in the understanding of how local soil characteristics influence the productivity and sustainability of dragon fruit cultivation in the region. Unlike previous studies that focus broadly on soil health, this work uniquely integrates physical, chemical, and biological soil properties to create a targeted, actionable index for optimizing dragon fruit farming practices, thereby contributing to both agricultural innovation and environmental sustainability in tropical climates.

Author’s Contribution

Nurul Fajeriana: Served as the lead researcher, responsible for the overall planning, coordination, supervision of the project, and preparation of the final report and publication of research findings.

Akhmad Ali: Contributed as a team member, assisting with data collection, analysis, and technical implementation in the field.

Muzna Ardin Abdul Gafur: Ssisted in editing the manuscript and facilitated the publication process, including handling administrative tasks and publication fees.

Generative AI or AI assisted technology statement

The authors declare that no generative AI was used in the creation of this manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The authors have declared no conflict of interest.

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