A Analisis Neraca Air pada Daerah Irigasi Cipalih Kecamatan Ciamis

Abstract

The Cipalih Irrigation Area Cipalih is an irrigation system located in the Ciamis District, utilized as a water source for agricultural and livestock management. The primary water source for the Cipalih Irrigation Area is the Cipalih River, which is capable of irrigating 641.368 hectares of rice fields. However, a problem persists in the Cipalih Irrigation Area where water shortages frequently occur during certain seasons, affecting the planting patterns in the area. Given the extensive coverage of the irrigated land, it is necessary to calculate the water balance to determine water availability and demand. This ensures the sustainability of the farmers' livelihoods by establishing an optimal planting schedule.

The objective of this study is to determine the water balance conditions and planting patterns in the Cipalih Irrigation Area. This research employs a quantitative method, utilizing primary data (interviews with local residents and documentation) and secondary data (10-year rainfall data from three stations, river discharge data, climatology data, and technical irrigation data). The analysis of the water balance and planting patterns was obtained through planting pattern simulations. The results indicate that the water balance in the Cipalih Irrigation Area, based on these calculations, remains in surplus (excess water) throughout all months. Furthermore, the optimal planting pattern was identified as the 7th alternative, which consists of a Rice-Rice-Secondary Crop (Palawija) cycle