Soil quality assessment and land capability evaluation for determining integrated watershed management model through SWOT analysis and AHP method in Arjasa Sub-watershed, Indonesia

Abstract

Arjasa sub-watershed is the upstream area of Bedadung watershed, playing a significant role in Jember Regency. Damage to this area can be caused by inappropriate land use and management, leading to a substantial reduction in the health of Bedadung watershed. Despite the significant role, there is no information on the level of soil quality and land capability in Arjasa sub-watershed that can be used for condition monitoring. Furthermore, there is a lack of previous analysis on determining the integrated watershed management model (IWMM). Therefore, this study aims to define the level of soil quality and land capability classes (LCC) as well as construct appropriate IWMM through SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis and AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) method. The research revealed that the average SQI ranges between the low category (0.38) in cluster 3, medium (0.49 – 0.53) in clusters 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and the good category (0, 77) in cluster 4. The indicators determining SQI included in MDS are Ca, organic C, pH H2O, and base saturation, respectively. Apart from that, this research identified four LCCs, namely classes IV, VI, VII, and VIII with the main limiting factors being permeability, erosion rate, and slope. Class IV is found in cluster 1 and Cluster 7 with a total area of 626.6 ha (18.6 %). Class VI is found in cluster 5 with a total area of 107.6 ha (3.2). Class VII is found in clusters 2, 3, and 6 with a total area of 2,132.1 ha (63.4 %). Meanwhile, Class VIII is in cluster 4 with a total area of ​​497.8 ha (14.8 %). From the aspect of land capability, only clusters 1 and 7 can be used for agricultural cultivation, while the other clusters are not suitable for agricultural land. It was concluded that the main priority of IWMM models those suitable to the characteristic of the research site is law enforcement against offenders of illegal logging and inappropriate land use practices.