Traditions of soil and water conservation based on farmer knowledge as an adaptation to climate condition in dry land

Abstract

Drought and decreased soil fertility are the classic problems in dry land agriculture. Farmers adapt these conditions in the form of soil and water conservation practices. This study aimed to find out 1) Tradition of soil and water conservation based on farmer knowledge as an adaptation to climate condition, and 2) Prospective technology for adaptation and mitigation of climate change in dry land. The research was conducted in the dry land of the karst area on Girisubo Gunungkidul D.I. Yogyakarta Indonesia, from September to November 2019, during the dry season. The research used the method of observation and farmer interviews. The results showed that tradition of conservation practices were carried out by farmers based on knowledge and information, with motive of economics and survival. Conservation practices as a form of adaptation, based on the management and potency of water, soil, and biomass resources. Water management includes making simple dam, making well, harvesting groundwater, and applying cropping pattern. Soil management includes making terrace, planting grass on terrace, and applying organic fertilizer. Conservation practice is one of the adaptive actions, with mitigation of climate change as a co-benefit. Practices that have the potential for adaptation with co-benefit mitigation are water and soil management, variety selection, direct seed planting, and composting. Farmers, as the main factor in tradition of conservation practices, determine the sustainability of agricultural system. SWC practices have potential to develop into adaptation co-benefit mitigation to climate change.