TEKNIK PENGAIRAN BERKALA INTERMITTENT | By SIMURP

Summary

This video discusses efficient water management techniques for rice cultivation, focusing on intermittent irrigation and alternate wetting and drying (AWD). These methods help conserve water while maintaining high productivity by regulating water levels and alternating wet and dry phases. The technical approach involves simple tools, like pipes and bamboo, to monitor water depth, making it accessible for farmers. The benefits include reduced water usage (up to 38%), increased rice yield, and improved soil quality. Additionally, AWD reduces energy costs and labor while mitigating the risk of arsenic and cadmium accumulation in rice grains. This is an example of smart, climate-resilient agriculture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Intermittent irrigation is a water-efficient farming technique, especially effective for rice cultivation.
• 😀 This method alternates between wetting and drying the rice fields, which optimizes water usage and enhances crop growth.
• 😀 The system involves managing water levels in the fields, keeping the water height at 2-5 cm for the first 10 days after planting.
• 😀 After the initial 10 days, farmers allow the fields to dry, and cracks should appear in the soil, indicating the correct level of dryness.
• 😀 Once cracks appear, water is added again, and this cycle of alternating between wet and dry continues until the flowering stage of the rice plants.
• 😀 After flowering, irrigation is maintained consistently until 10 days before harvest, which also aids in faster absorption of fertilizers.
• 😀 The alternate wetting and drying technique (AWD) helps conserve water by up to 38%, making it a sustainable method for water management.
• 😀 It can also reduce costs associated with pumping water for irrigation, as the fields need less water overall.
• 😀 The AWD system improves soil aeration, which helps rice roots develop better and increases overall plant health and productivity.
• 😀 By reducing water usage and allowing for more efficient crop growth, AWD supports higher rice yields without sacrificing quality.
• 😀 The method is also beneficial for mechanized farming, as the fields remain firm enough to accommodate machines like harvesters, reducing labor costs.

Q & A

What is intermittent irrigation?

Intermittent irrigation is a water management technique that involves alternating periods of flooding and draining rice fields, aiming to optimize water usage while maintaining healthy crop growth.

What is the purpose of the alternate wetting and drying (AWD) method?

The AWD method is designed to save water in rice irrigation by regulating water levels and allowing the soil to dry periodically, which improves water efficiency without compromising rice yields.

How much water can be saved with the use of alternate wetting and drying?

The AWD method can save up to 38% of water compared to conventional irrigation methods, while still maintaining or increasing productivity.

What are the key steps involved in intermittent irrigation?

The key steps involve initially flooding the rice field to a depth of 2-5 cm, letting the water recede naturally until the soil cracks, and then reflooding the field. This process is repeated until the flowering stage.

Why is it important to let the soil crack before reflooding in intermittent irrigation?

Allowing the soil to crack before reflooding helps to ensure proper soil aeration and water management, preventing over-saturation while optimizing nutrient absorption by the rice plants.

How does the AWD method monitor water levels?

The AWD method uses a simple tool consisting of a perforated pipe or bamboo indicator to measure the water depth. When the water level drops to a certain threshold, it indicates when to refill the field.

What materials are commonly used to implement AWD in rice fields?

Common materials for implementing AWD include PVC pipes or bamboo sticks to create water depth indicators, and metal wire or stakes to secure the tools in place.

What are the benefits of using AWD in terms of rice productivity?

AWD improves rice productivity by allowing plants to efficiently absorb water, leading to better root growth and grain development. The technique also helps in reducing water-related diseases and increasing overall yield.

How does AWD contribute to reducing the need for irrigation pumps?

AWD reduces the need for irrigation pumps by lowering the overall water consumption, which also leads to reduced fuel costs for running the pumps, making the process more cost-effective.

How does the AWD method affect the concentration of harmful substances in rice grains?

The AWD method helps reduce the accumulation of harmful substances like cadmium and arsenic in rice grains by controlling water levels and improving soil health, which lowers the concentrations of these toxins.