Characterization of Swamp Land for Rice Development in the Food Support Area of the New State Capital, Penajam Paser Utara Regency
Muhamad Hidayanto (a*), Yossita Fiana (a)

a) National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia
* mhidayanto[at]yahoo,com
Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor Km 46, Cibinong Bogor, Indonesia 16911

Abstract

The potential of swamp land in East Kalimantan Province is quite large but has not been utilized for agricultural development. The swamps in this province are spread over several areas, including the food buffer zone of Penajam Paser Utara Regency. The purpose of the study was to obtain data and information on the characteristics of land and water systems to support agricultural development, especially rice in the swamp area of Sebakung Jaya, North Penajam Paser Regency. The results of the study show that: (a) the condition of the swamp area is unique, which was originally a deep swamp, but after reclamation, it turned into an overflow type C, and the results were based on soil analysis with low-moderate fertility, (b) canals and water systems not arranged following the characteristics of the land and the need for food crop farming, and the channels are built only as drainage channels so that during the dry season the land becomes dry quickly. Therefore, to increase the productivity of swamps in this area, it is necessary to (a) specific location land management following the characteristics or physical, chemical, and social conditions of the local community, and (b) regulation of a water system that can ensure sufficient water for the plant growth phase, such as making drains to reduce the flow of water that stagnates during floods, and (c) it is necessary to optimize the utilization of the Telake Dam to accommodate the overflow of water during the rainy season and to be used during the dry season.

Keywords: land characterization, Penajam Paser Utara Regency, rice, swamp land, water management system

Topic: Biodiversity, soil health and agricultural practices