Conservation direction based on estimation of erosion in Lesti sub-watershed, Malang District

Abstract

Management of watershedis a part of regional development. Lesti sub-watershed as one of upstream Brantas watersheds faces erosion problems and criticality of land that is not balanced with conservation efforts based on ideal needs according to carrying capacity of the environment. The reduced function of the Sengguruh Reservoir in upper Brantas River has caused a disruption to its role in flood control, water supply for irrigation and generating a large portion of hydroelectric power in East Java Province. This study seeks to provide the latest erosion-based conservation direction with MUSLE methods and spatial analysis of GIS that considers proportional social, economic and environmental aspects. The results of the analysis are used in order to determine the priority sub-districts for handling conservation within Lesti Sub-watershed to reduce erosion problems. Of the 12 sub-district on Lesti Sub-Watershed, some sub-districts identified as having the highest Erosion Hazard Level (TBE) area marked in red on the map are in sub-districtof Wajak, Tirtoyudo, Dampit, Sumbermanjing Wetan, Gedangan and Bantur. Environmental conservation directives are suggested to be focused on these 6 sub-districts through the application of vegetative soil and water conservation, technical civilization and combination involving the community and in accordance with local conditions.