Post reclamation of acid sulphate soil due to extended tidal irrigation area in Palingkau, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

The Palingkau Swamp Irrigation Scheme SP1 SP2 SP3 extends tidal irrigation between Kapuas Murung River and Kapuas River, which local peoples developed. The development of the new agricultural land behind the old tidal irrigation system creates oxidation of potential acid sulphate (FeS2) soil. The result of the leaching process polluted local's agricultural area causes the decrease land productivity. The field observation recorded the water pH ranges between 3.9 - 5.3; 3.7 - 4.31 at the handil; 2.5 - 4 at the collector channels; and 2.8 - 3.6 at the primary channels. Good water management is needed to overcome these problems, both at the new irrigation system and handil. The HECRAS mathematical model is used to evaluate water circulation in the system and its reliability. The Efforts to normalize the handil impact increasing the amount of water entering the handil although it is not significant. Moreover, it still cannot meet the water demand for the leaching process in the network system by 2.06 million m3/day. It is necessary to increase the capacity of the channel to allow freshwater flow from the river for the leaching process in the network system.