Analysis of land characteristics and erosion impact on Gayo Arabica coffee production

Land characteristics and erosion are key determinants of Arabica coffee productivity, directly affecting soil quality, land suitability, and long-term sustainability. Land characteristics, including physical and chemical soil properties, determine land suitability, while erosion contributes to land degradation, ultimately reducing productivity. This study investigates the effects of land characteristics and erosion on Arabica coffee yields in the Gayo highlands of Bener Meriah Regency. Field surveys and laboratory soil analyses were conducted using a quantitative descriptive approach across 15 defined land unit types (LUTs), and erosion rates were estimated using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). Multiple linear regression analysis has been used to analyze the effect of land characteristics and erosion on coffee production. Results revealed that land suitability in the study area falls into two classes: S2 (moderately suitable) and S3 (marginally suitable). Significant yield constraints include low phosphorus availability, limited adequate soil depth, steep slope gradients, and inadequate drainage. Statistically significant variables influencing yield (p < 0.05) included elevation, slope, adequate soil depth, silt and clay percentages, pH, organic carbon, Cation Exchange Capacity, available phosphorus, and erosion rate. These findings highlight the critical role of integrated land management in optimizing Arabica coffee production under varying agroecological conditions.