Water Balance Analysis for Food Estate Program in Gunung Mas Regency, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

The implementation of food estate programs aimed at national food security requires comprehensive environmental considerations, particularly regarding soil conditions and water availability. This study employs the Thornthwaite-Mather method to model the water balance based on precipitation, air temperature, and soil characteristics. Analysis of climatological data from 2004 to 2023 reveals that Gunung Mas Regency, Central Kalimantan, maintains abundant groundwater availability throughout the year, with monthly percentages consistently reaching 100%. Average monthly temperatures range from 25.5°C to 26°C, while monthly rainfall varies significantly between 147 and 556 mm. According to the Oldeman classification, the region falls into category B2, characterized by nine wet months and fewer than three dry months. Land suitability evaluations indicate that the region is highly compatible with wetland-based cultivation, with optimal planting periods from November to January. Corn is suitable for cultivation between April and May. Conversely, the results suggest that cassava is less suitable for large-scale development in this region. This incompatibility stems from the persistent water surplus and high rainfall, which conflict with cassava's biological requirement for well-drained, drier upland conditions.