The distribution of rainfall in areas suitable for sugarcane farming in Blitar Regency, East Java

Abstract

Abstract Expansion of sugarcane in East Java continue to be implemented in addition to intensification to increase sugarcane production in East Java, including expansion to Blitar Regency. This study aims to determine the rainfall distribution in areas suitable for sugarcane cultivation in Blitar Regency, East Java. This study was done in 2022 by combining a sugarcane land suitability map in Blitar Regency from the Indonesian Center for Agricultural Land Resources Research and Development and an annual isohyet map. Maps showing the rainfall distribution that the further north in Blitar the more elevation and rainfall and decreasing to the south. Annual rainfall distribution of 1500-2000 mm and 2000-2500 mm in the areas of moderately and marginally suitable for sugarcane covered total area of 25,918.59 ha and 22,689.90 ha or 15.83% and 13.86% of the total existing land area, respectively. When expanding sugarcane development, it is essential to consider the rainfall distribution along with the spatial distribution of land. Therefore, field trials are needed in each zoning to determine the productivity level of sugarcane and sugar. Complementing the spatial distribution of land for sugarcane with the rainfall distribution in each zone is important to identify yield potential for each suitability class.