Jakarta, INTI - Irrigation systems in rice fields that are continuously flooded produce greenhouse gas emissions in the form of methane. Therefore, more efficient water management technology is needed to support climate change mitigation efforts.
From this situation, I Gusti Komang Dana Arsana, Principal Researcher at the Food Crops Research Center at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), developed water-saving irrigation technology based on Alternative Wetting and Drying (AWD), an intermittent irrigation system that prevents rice fields from being constantly flooded.
"The water management system in rice fields that are continuously flooded contributes to the formation of methane, which is one of greenhouse gases," said Komang.
He explained that increasingly significant climate change is impacting uncertain rainfall patterns, ranging from drought in some areas to flooding in others. With this condition and the increasing need for water for various sectors of life, the agricultural sector is required to adapt to more efficient water use.
Water Use Efficiency
In the AWD system, irrigation water is provided according to crop needs, then the land is allowed to dry before being irrigated again. Komang explained that water management with an intermittent system is considered to increase water use efficiency.
Research results show that implementing AWD at intervals of approximately eight days increases water use efficiency compared to continuous irrigation. This system also reduces anaerobic conditions in the soil, thereby reducing methane emissions from rice fields.
Support from Institutions is Needed
Komang emphasized that this technological innovation cannot stand alone but requires institutional support and a change in farmers' mindsets regarding rice field management. One challenge still faced is the perception that rice fields must be constantly flooded to produce optimal rice production.
According to him, strengthening irrigation water management institutions, such as Subak, is a crucial factor in implementing this technology in the field. Subak has long been considered capable of regulating water distribution fairly through mutual agreements with the community.
"Subak is considered capable of regulating water distribution fairly and based on mutual agreements with the community," he said.
Furthermore, Komang assessed that future agricultural water management needs to be supported by modern technological approaches, including the use of soil moisture sensors and digital systems to improve irrigation precision at the field level.
He also emphasized the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration, from hydrology, soil science, climatology, to public policy, in supporting sustainable agricultural water management amid the challenges of climate change.
Conclusion
Water-saving irrigation technology based on Alternative Wetting and Drying (AWD), developed by BRIN researcher I Gusti Komang Dana Arsana, offers a solution to increase water use efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from rice fields. This system applies intermittent irrigation, where the rice fields are not always flooded, thereby reducing anaerobic conditions that cause methane gas formation. Research results show that implementing AWD at intervals of approximately eight days can increase water use efficiency compared to continuous irrigation systems.
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