Study of Water Balance in Arjasari Agricultural Land (A case study of Intercropping System of Corn and Chilies)

Abstract

Development of food crops is not only addressed to a momentary increase in production but also attention to the aspect of land conservation in order for the system of production can be sustainable. Intercropping system is one way of managing agricultural land which can minimize the risk in the utilization of dry land for the development of food crops. The availability of water on dry land are generally affected by rainfall and the ability of the soil to retain water. The potential water resources available in the ground is indispensable in agricultural hydrology and water management in the framework of developing food crops. This study aims to determine the moisture content of the soil and water balance of the land in the region of Arjasari, Bandung Regency. The methods used in this research is a descriptive analysis. The research was carried out from March until November 2015. The results of this study showed that the moisture content of the soil in the study ranged from 314.2 mm/m up to 472 mm/m with the moisture content of the soil which can be utilized by the plant a maximum of 185 mm/m.