Cropping pattern and schedule using K-Factor for optimizing irrigation networks operation in Krueng Jreu Irrigation Area, Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract Determining the cropping pattern and schedule according to the availability and requirement of irrigation water is important in an irrigation command area. Supplying irrigation water in the Krueng Jreu Irrigation Area is still less effective in the dry season, so it is necessary to review the existing cropping pattern and schedule in the irrigation area by considering the K factor. To achieve optimal irrigation networks operation, simulation of cropping patterns and schedules based on the K factor was conducted. Optimal cropping patterns and schedules were determined by the highest frequency of the half-month K factor greater than 0.75. The best cropping pattern and schedule for Krueng Jreu Irrigation Area was rice-rice-soybean cropping pattern with first planting season started in mid-July, second planting season in mid-November and third planting season in mid-March. The results achieved the best frequency of K factor > 0.75 as many as 15 times, K factor in the range of 0.50 - 0.75 as many as 3 times, and K factor < 0.25 as many as 4 times. The application of the selected cropping pattern and schedule was done by allocating water into three groups in case of the K factor < 0.75, namely Group I (Menara and Krueng Aceh Extension secondary canal), Group II (Krueng Jreu Kiri secondary canal) and Group III (Kayee, Lamkrah, and Inong secondary canal).