Today’s farm assessment was conducted on the plot owned by Mr. Suharli, one of the Batch 2 farmers, located in a village forest area. The site demonstrates strong potential for developing a pepper-based agroforestry system.
Currently, Mr. Suharli has planted a total of 500 pepper plants, consisting of select varieties: merapin, petaling, and nyelungkup. All vines are supported by live trellises using Gliricidia (Gamal) trees, which not only provide shade but also contribute to soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.
Soil observations revealed dark-colored soil with a topsoil depth of 30 cm, and the soil emitted a rich organic smell, indicating a high content of organic matter. The soil pH measured at 5.5, which is moderately acidic but still within a range that can be improved for better crop performance.
In addition, leaf brix readings showed 6%, reflecting a moderate level of plant health and photosynthetic activity, with room for improvement through better nutrient and field management.
This assessment marks a crucial initial step in tailoring technical guidance and targeted interventions to improve pepper productivity and support the development of a more resilient, sustainable farming system within the village forest landscape.
