Pengaruh Perlakuan Teknik Konservasi Air terhadap Evapotranspirasi Tanaman Kelapa Sawit (Studi kasus : PT. Sawit Asahan Indah, Rokan Hulu, Riau)

Abstract

Water conservation by form of rorak (silt pit) is one of rainwater harvesting methods that can be applied in palm oil plantation to fulfill plants water requirements. Installation of rorak can increase surface water utilization and irrigation water use efficiency. This study aimed to analyze the effect of water conservation technique on soil water content and evapotranspiration of palm oil plantations. This research was conducted by measuring the soil water content in experimental blocks (7, 8, and 18) and control blocks (6, 16, and 17). Twenty five set soil moisture sensor devices were planted on each block. Soil water content was calculated by using soil water content calibration curves obtained through previous research. Evapotranspiration was calculated by using water balance approach in palm oil plantation. As the results, the level of soil water content and evapotranspiration in experimental blocks was higher than the control blocks. Daily average evapotranspiration in experimental and control blocks respectively were 3.9 mm and 3.7 mm. The values of water storage in experimental blocks except block 7 were greater than the water storage in control blocks.