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1st Int. Transborder Conf. of the Timor Island: Timor %u2013 Science without borderDili, 7-8 May 202560Nutrient Status and Soil Reaction as the Basis for Horticultural Crop Development in Ainaro DistrictAnt%u00f3nio J. da Costa and Frederico H, G. Tavares*Soil Science Department, Agriculture Faculty, National University of Timor Lorosa%u2019e, Dili, Timor-Leste*Corresponding authors: AbstractThe research was conducted in thea areas designated horticultural agricultural lands, Ainaro District. The soil in these areas is generally sandy clay in texture, with rather slow drainage, salt-free conditions, and hilly physiography. The study was carried out over a period of three months, from September to December 2024, with the aim of assessing the nutrient status%u2014specifically organic carbon (C-organic), available phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)%u2014as well as soil reaction, to improve the production of horticultural crops such as cabbage, carrots, and green beans. The materials and tools used in this study included GPS, clinometer, auger, sample rings, plastic bags, permeameter, soil test kits, pH meter, EC meter, digital scales, 50 ml measuring cups, beakers, distilled water (aqua dest), and other necessary equipment. The study employed a free land survey method based on a physical land approach and composite sampling. Composite soil samples were collected diagonally from a depth of 0%u201320 cm before land processing. Individual soil samples from each sampling point were combined in a bucket, mixed thoroughly, and then a composite sample was extracted. Approximately %u00bd kg of each composite sample was placed in plastic bags and sent to the Laboratory of Soil Science, UNTL, for analysis. The parameters and analysis methods included pH-H%u2082O, organic carbon, and available phosphorus and potassium, which were measured calorimetrically using a soil test kit as the main parameters. Additional parameters included soil texture (ribbon method), permeability, and soil salinity (using an EC meter). The data were analysed and compared against theoretical standards to determine quantitative values. The results showed that the soil reaction was slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.1%u20136.4, indicating limited nutrient availability, particularly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Organic carbon levels ranged from 0.2%u20130.7%, available phosphorus from 10.3%u201318.0 ppm, and available potassium from 15%u201322.8 me/100g. Organic carbon was identified as the primary limiting factor for the production of cabbage, carrots, and green beans, followed by available phosphorus and potassium.To address these limitations and improve crop production, the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers is recommended. Organic materials such as compost, plant residues, or livestock manure should be applied at a minimum rate of 2 tons per hectare for each site. Inorganic fertilizers may include Urea, SP-36, and KCl, with recommended doses of 200, 525, and 300 kg/ha, respectively, for the Fatukhun and Boltama sites. The same dosage can be applied in Builico and Nugufu, except for KCl, which should be adjusted to 185 kg/ha. For Kanurema and Mau%u2019ulo, the recommended doses are 200 kg/ha of Urea, 400 kg/ha of SP-36, and 300 kg/ha of KCl. These efforts aim to address nutrient and soil reaction limitations in the horticultural lands of Ainaro District.Keywords: Nutrients, soil reaction, crops.