Analysis of Mini Polder Performance for Improved Water Management in the Dadahup Swampy Irrigation Area

Abstract

The Indonesian government has chosen the Dadahup Swampy Irrigation Area as one of its Food Estate regions to address food security concerns. Following the rehabilitation of the irrigation network and the construction of gates from 2020 to 2022, block A5 is chosen as a pilot project using a mini polder as its water system management. In the right block A5, mini polders small-scale embankments are designed to regulate water flow and optimize land utilization. This research comprehensively evaluates the mini polder’s effectiveness in right block A5 in improving water control within the swampy landscape, considering the influence of rainfall patterns. Our study aims to comprehensively evaluate how mini polders effectively improve water control in the Dadahup Swamp Irrigation Area. To achieve this, we consider the influence of rainfall patterns, which play a significant role in the region’s hydrological dynamics. In addition to traditional data analysis, we integrate hydraulic simulations into our study using HEC-RAS software. These simulations allow us to model and visualize how mini polders interact with the complex water flow patterns in the Dadahup Swampy Irrigation Area. By combining empirical data with hydraulic simulations, we can better understand how mini-polders function in response to varying rainfall scenarios. Based on the simulation results, it was found that without the polder system, the water level would be on dry land during the dry season. The simulation provides direction or guidelines for polder operations to maintain the water level as long as possible during the dry season and prevent flooding during the rainy season. This research can provide valuable insights into sustainable agriculture practices in this unique and challenging environment.