GEOTECHNICAL EVALUATION OF SOFT SOIL IN MADA REGION: A CASE STUDY FROM KAMPUNG TAJAR, KEDAH

Authors

  • Mohamed Fauzi Md Isa Engineering Research Center, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, MARDI Headquarters, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia , Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9364-2093 (unauthenticated)
  • Azimah Hussin Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Nor Shahidah Mohd Nazer Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Nadhriah Mursi Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Mohd Taufik Ahamd Engineering Research Center, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, MARDI Headquarters, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Mohd Khusairy Khadzir Engineering Research Center, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, MARDI Penang, 13200, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
  • Mohd Fakhrul Zaman Omar Engineering Research Center, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, MARDI Sintok, 06050, Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, Malaysia
  • Eddy Herman Sharu Engineering Research Center, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, MARDI Headquarters, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Mohd Shahril Shah Mohd Ghazali Engineering Research Center, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, MARDI Penang, 13200, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11113/jurnalteknologi.v88.25276

Keywords:

Soft soil, cone index, MDD, OMC, paddy field

Abstract

Soft soils have emerged as a critical constraint in paddy cultivation within the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) region, affecting over 8,000 hectares and continuing to expand. Despite recognition of their low strength and high compressibility, limited studies have systematically examined their geotechnical parameters in active paddy fields of Malaysia. This study addresses this gap by assessing moisture content (MC), organic content (OC), maximum dry density (MDD), and optimum moisture content (OMC) of soft soils compared to normal paddy soils. Soil samples were collected from Kampung Tajar, Pendang, Kedah, at two depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm) and analyzed in accordance with BS 1377 standards. Results showed that soft soils exhibited consistently higher MC and OC but lower MDD than normal soils, leading to weaker compaction behaviour. Elevated OC was positively associated with MC, while MC showed an inverse relationship with MDD, confirming their causal role in reducing soil strength. These findings highlight the limitations of conventional land preparation and mechanization practices in soft soils. The study provides practical insights for farmers, engineers, and policymakers in designing adaptive soil management and stabilization strategies, and mechanization usage to enhance paddy productivity and ensure long-term soil sustainability.

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Published

2026-08-29

Issue

Vol. 88 No. 5: September 2026

Section

Science and Engineering

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