Impacts of intensive upland agriculture practices on soil quality: a case in Kejajar Village, Wonosobo, Central Java, Indonesia

The Wonosobo District, located in Central Java, Indonesia, is a significant producer of high-value vegetable crops. Located in an upland area characterized by steep slopes, the district faces land degradation problems due to intensive vegetable farming. Land degradation is characterized by a decrease in soil productivity due to a decrease in its physicochemical and biological properties. By analyzing intensive upland vegetable farming practices in Kejajar Village, Wonosobo, this study aims to develop upland agroecosystem management strategies for sustainable vegetable farming practice in Kejajar Village, considering the physicochemical and biological properties influenced by characteristics of farmers. The broader goal of this study is separated into four distinct objectives: 1) to identify agriculture practices and its standard in Kejajar Village, 2) to analyze soil properties and soil quality index in Kejajar Village, 3) to identify socio-economic factors affecting soil quality, and 4) to estimate the crop water requirement to consider changes that may be influenced by climate variability. The study employed a mixed-methods approach to incorporate both quantitative and qualitative methods, aiming to understand the current soil conditions in the study area and the contributions of cultural practices and external factors to its current state. Research findings indicate that farmers in Kejajar Village have not fully implemented Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), with approximately 30% still neglecting these measures. Expectedly, natural ecosystems, compared to agricultural areas, have a higher level of soil quality; this indicates that over the past few decades, intensive farming in Kejajar Village has led to a decrease in soil productivity. Projected increases in temperature and variability in rainfall patterns are anticipated to influence crop water requirements due to heightened evapotranspiration and altered water availability necessitating adaptive strategies in agricultural water management. Addressing water challenges in vegetable production requires improved irrigation, effective management of rainy season water, and sustainable soil management practices. By implementing these strategies, including increasing farmer education regarding best management practices and sustainable agriculture, soil quality can be improved, and agricultural sustainability can be guaranteed for future generations. Considering the current cultural practices and the state of the soil ecosystem in the study area, management options have been proposed to mitigate the projected impacts. This study highlights various ways to reconcile the characteristics of farmer and their farm, while identifying good agricultural practices that will lead to a more sustainable future in upland agriculture.