Factors Affecting the Sweetness of Salak (Snake Fruit) in Tapanuli Selatan Regency

Abstract

Salak is one of Indonesia's native tropical fruit plants. Salak production is dominated by the district of Tapanuli Selatan from a total production of salak plants in Sumatera Utara. Based on the observations in the district of Tapanuli Selatan, the fruits of different locations have different fruit characteristics. Based on differences in the characteristics of the salak fruit flavor, the authors were interested in conducting research to determine what factors affecting the sweet taste of snake fruit/salak in the district of Tapanuli Selatan. This research aim was to determine and examine the factors that influence the sweet taste of salak fruit in the district of Tapanuli Selatan. The research was conducted in three different locations namely in Sitinjak Village Sub-district of Angkola Barat, Tapian Nauli village Sub-district of Angkola Selatan, and Pasar Sempurna Village Sub-district of Marancar. This research was survey research by taking as many as 10 soil samples from each research location. Next, the soil was analyzed in the laboratory with the parameter were pH H₂O, C-Organic, N-total, texture, P-available, base saturation, CEC, and base exchange (K, Ca, Mg, Na) as independent variables plus other factors in the form of rainfall and elevation. The analysis method used was multiple linear regression analysis. The feasibility of the regression model was tested by the classical assumption test and factor analysis using the SPSS v.24 for windows statistical tool. The result of regression analysis showed that P-available, K-exchange, Na-exchange, base saturation, and elevation have a positive effect on the quality of sweet taste of salak fruit in district of Tapanuli Selatan.