Study of soil chemical characteristics on citronella cultivation area in the Gayo Highlands

Abstract This research tries to identify the chemical state of soil in existing citronella planting area Gayo Highlands based on altitude, slope, and type. The method used this is descriptive method, with data collected through field surveys laboratory analysis. Soil samples were taken at each observation point by a purposive sampling which was determined components forming homogeneous land unit consisting six (6) elevation classes, five (5) slope types. results analysis showed that highest value C-organic found location Land Unit 6 (LU6) altitude above 1,200 meters sea level (m asl), 7.29%, lowest LU1 (200-400 m 0.81%. While variation CEC values locations LU6 LU3 (600-800 asl) 56.40 cmol kg −1 , LU1. cultivation studied type point. It still suitable be developed as where characteristics low very high criteria pH are acid slightly alkaline criteria.