Analysis of Irrigation Water Demand and Availability in the Bukit Biru Irrigation Area
Abstract
The increasing pressure on irrigation systems due to seasonal water fluctuations necessitates a detailed assessment of water availability and crop water demand, particularly in agricultural regions with fluctuating hydrological patterns. This study investigates the compatibility between Q80% dependable discharge and decadal crop water requirements in the Bukit Biru Irrigation Area, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. A quantitative approach was employed by analyzing ten-year hydrological data and computing crop water demand based on FAO Penman-Monteith equations, using parameters such as evapotranspiration (ET₀), crop coefficients (Kc), irrigation efficiency, and irrigated area. Data were presented in 24 dekades (half-monthly intervals) to identify periods of water surplus and deficit throughout the year. Results showed that from January to May, water availability exceeded crop requirements with a peak discharge of 1.02 L/s during the second dekade of January, while the lowest water availability occurred in December at 0.10 L/s. In contrast, crop water needs peaked at 0.74 L/s in the second dekade of November. Approximately 50% of the year experienced water deficits, with the most critical shortages occurring from August to December. These findings highlight the urgent need for adaptive irrigation planning, including cropping calendar adjustments and development of storage infrastructure such as farm reservoirs or embungs. Furthermore, the study recommends integrating hydrological evaluation with construction management strategies to support efficient water distribution systems and sustainable irrigation infrastructure. This research provides an essential basis for future studies in hydraulic modeling, irrigation efficiency analysis, and participatory water governance in smallholder farming systems.
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