Determination of water availability and long growth period of maize plant in Boalemo Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract The lack of water availability and the short period of maize growth has the potential to be the main obstacles to achieving optimal production. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the water availability and long growth period (LGP) of maize plants in Boalemo Regency, which was included in the agrokilmat zone E2. Rainfall and temperature data from Saritani, Tangkobu, and Bubaa climate stations in Boalemo Regency were used over ten years, from 2012 to 2022. The soil profile moisture content data used pF 2.5 and pF 4.2 while the tool used Cropwat8.0. Furthermore, the determination of available water and LGP was conducted using a water balance table with the Thornwaite method. The results showed that the highest and lowest water availabilities were 556 mm and 118 mm at the Saritani and Tangkobu climate stations, with a maximum LGP of maize at 242 days and 181 days, respectively. Based on climate stations, the availability of water and the amount of LGP follow the pattern of Saritani climate station > Bubaa climate station > Tangkobu climate station.