<![CDATA[Land Suitability for Lowland Rice (*Oryza sativa* L.) Cultivation in Bilah Hulu and Bilah Barat Districts, Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra. Land suitability evaluation was conducted using the FAO (1976) framework. This study utilized data from soil sample analyses taken from three representative land observation points in each district. Evaluated parameters included climatic factors (temperature, humidity), soil physical properties (texture, effective depth, drainage, slope), soil chemical properties (pH, organic C, total N, P₂O₅, K₂O), and nutrient retention properties (CEC, base saturation). The results indicate that actual land suitability in Bilah Hulu District is dominated by Class S3 (marginally suitable), covering 866.8 ha (40.6%), whereas Bilah Barat District is dominated by Class S2 (moderately suitable), covering 704.25 ha (33.0%). The primary limiting factors in both districts are total nitrogen content (T), drainage (Dr), texture (S), slope (E), and water availability (W). Based on potential improvement measures, there is a possibility of upgrading land suitability classes from S2 and S3 to S1 (highly suitable) in several locations, particularly through soil fertility management involving the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers, as well as drainage improvements. This study provides recommendations for the sustainable development of lowland rice cultivation in Labuhanbatu Regency]]>
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