Land Suitability for food crops supports a resilient food system and the achievement of SDGs in Batang Toru Sub-district, South Tapanuli, North Sumatra, Indonesia

¹ Natural Resources and Environmental Management Study Program, Postgraduate School, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan 20155, North Sumatra, Indonesia
² Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Kuala Bekala, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, Indonesia
³ PT Agincourt Resources Tambang Emas Martabe, Tapanuli Selatan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
⁴ Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Kampus USU Padang Bulan, Medan 20155, North Sumatra, Indonesia
⁵ PT. Kencana Indosolusi Nusa Global, Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia
⁶ Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

^* Corresponding author: rahmawaty@usu.ac.id

Abstract

In a food crop production system, evaluating land suitability is a crucial initial step to ensure land is used appropriately, efficiently, productively, and in an environmentally friendly manner. This study aims to evaluate the actual and potential suitability of land for rice and corn as food sources for the community. Field surveys were conducted to collect soil samples, which were then analysed in the laboratory to determine land characteristics. Data from soil analysis and field surveys were matched with land suitability criteria for both crops, and a Geographic Information System was used to create suitability maps. The results showed that the actual land suitability for rice is marginally suitable (S3), while for corn it is currently not suitable (N1) to marginally suitable (S3). The evaluation results indicate that the development of lowland rice has significant potential for improvement in nutrient content, whereas corn can be cultivated only on a limited basis. By identifying the most suitable areas for sustainable crop production, this research supports climate-smart agriculture that reduces land degradation, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthens local adaptive capacity to climate change. This information promotes resilient food systems and contributes to achieving SDGs 2, 12, and 13.