Land characteristics and their relationship to Papua nutmeg (Myristica argentea Warb.) population in Fakfak regency

Abstract

Papua nutmeg is an indigineous plant of Papua growing in all districts of Fakfak regency with relatively different distribution pattern. This study aims to find out the characteristics of land components (latitude, light intensity, humidity, soil chemical properties) and their relationship to population condition of Papua nutmeg in Fakfak regency, West Papua. This study was conducted for three months in TelukPattipi, West Fakfak, Kokas and Kramomongga districtswith survey technique. Observations were condudcted on growing pattern, agromorphological characteristics of nutmeg plant, and abiotic environmental factor of land components and micro wheather. Study findings indicate that distribution pattern and condition of nutmeg plants in each district were varied due to land characteristics difference. Density level, population, diameter, stem girth, and height of nutmeg plants in areas with latitude of 0-100 m are relatively higher compared to those of in areas with latitude of 100-500 m above sea level (m.a.s.l). Average C-organic, N-total and available P in areas with latitude of 100 to 500 m.a.s.l were higher compared to those in areas with latitude of 0 to 100 m.a.s.l. CationsExchangeCapacity (CEC) and pH at latitude of 100-500 m.a.s.l were higher compared to lower latitudes. Humidity tended to correlate positively canopy (R=0.143) and to plant height (R=0.869). Light factor indicated a significant positive correlation to canopy (R=0.903) and sapling growth (R=0.928), light intensity level correlated to canopy increase and sapling stage growth. N-total, available P, and exchaneable K correlated positively to the growth of stem diameter, stem girth, and height, except for canopy of nugmet plant. K-exchaneable correlated positively to stem diameter (0.930) and stem girth of nugmet plant (0.930).