Yacobus Sunaryo
M. Th. Darini
Agricultural Faculty of Sarjanawita Tamansiswa University
ABSTRACT
Total areas of coastal sandy lands in Special Province of Yogyakarta are more than 3,000 ha. There are ca 1,400 ha in District of Bantul and ca 1,600 ha in District of Kulon Progo. In general, those beach sandy areas are indicated as marginal lands which have some limiting factors such as poor of essential elements, high temperature in mid-day, high wind velocity, and lack of water. Based on results of some experiments were conducted by our students, and review of some references, it indicated that the use of manure and clay is recommended for crop cultivation in those beach sand areas. The use of manure has possibility to increase essential elements content and to reduce high temperature of the soil. Application of manure together with clay can increase water holding capacity of the soil. To avoid crop destruction due to high wind velocity, windbreaks must be constructed by using branch of trees or by planting some trees that resist dry condition and high wind velocity. To reduce high evaporation rate of the soil surface, the use of mulch on those areas is also recommended. The last strategic is not only to choose the best technique of irrigation but also to build greenhouses on those areas will result better crop cultivation. The use of sprinkle irrigation as well as drip-irrigation technique will result efficiently use of water.
Keywords: coastal sandy lands, marginal lands, windbreaks