Possibilities and Challenges of Estimating and Mapping Soil Exchangeable Cation Bases in Saline Rice Fields Based on Salinity and Soil Indices

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Published Oct 8, 2026
https://doi.org/10.55043/jaast.v10i4.599
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Vol. 10 No. 4 (2026): Articles in Press

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Aditya Nugraha Putra
Brawijaya University
Novandi Rizky Prasetya
Brawijaya University
Michelle Talisia Sugiarto
Brawijaya University

Abstract

Soil exchangeable cation bases (SECB)—calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), sodium (Na⁺), and potassium (K⁺)—are key indicators of soil fertility in paddy fields, yet remote sensing approaches for SECB assessment remain underexplored because of soil heterogeneity and the complexity of paddy management. This study evaluates multispectral UAV imagery for SECB prediction in saline rice fields using the Normalized Difference Salinity Index (NDSI), Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), Modified Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (MSAVI), and Optimized Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (OSAVI). NDSI is a salinity index, while SAVI, MSAVI, and OSAVI are soil-adjusted vegetation indices used as complementary spectral proxies. Field sampling was conducted at 17 transect points in Jabon District, Sidoarjo Regency, East Java, Indonesia, with the sampling design determined by the spatial extent of the study area and UAV flight coverage. NDSI had the strongest correlation with SECB (r = −0.55 to −0.59). Univariate linear regression models for Ca, Mg, Na, and K produced moderate predictive accuracy (R² = 0.31–0.34), indicating that while spectral indices show potential for SECB estimation, their reliability is constrained by the managed nature of paddy fields. These findings highlight the challenges of using spectral indices in dynamic agroecosystems and point to the need for integrative approaches that combine remote sensing with advanced modeling. The results contribute to precision agriculture by refining soil fertility assessment in saline-affected paddy environments.

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Author Biographies

Aditya Nugraha Putra, Brawijaya University

Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia

Novandi Rizky Prasetya, Brawijaya University

Agricultural Science Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia

Michelle Talisia Sugiarto, Brawijaya University

Soil and Water Management Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia

How to Cite
1.
Putra AN, Prasetya NR, Sugiarto MT. Possibilities and Challenges of Estimating and Mapping Soil Exchangeable Cation Bases in Saline Rice Fields Based on Salinity and Soil Indices . J. appl. agricultural sci. technol. [Internet]. 2026Oct.8 [cited 2026Oct.11];10(4):672-90. Available from: https://jaast.org/index.php/jaast/article/view/599

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