Planting time options to improve rice productivity based on the Integrated KATAM recommendations

Abstract

The information system of integrated cropping calendar (KATAM) has been broadly applied in Indonesia and become a guideline for the users entering the next planting season, however, it allows limited options of planting time of one season. The aim of this study was to evaluate planting time scenarios to improve rice productivity using the crop simulation model Agricultural Production System Simulator (APSIM) in Bogor. Options evaluated considered three planting times, the growing season and water treatment. The simulated productivity values between 3 planting times were compared and analyzed. Result showed that APSIM could simulate productivity with a reasonably good accuracy (EF=0.74) across the different planting times following the season. For the irrigated rice, the late planting resulted similar productivity to the KATAM planting within the rainy (5.1 to 5.5 t ha−1) and dry season (5.6 to 5.8 t ha−1), whereas the early planting resulted the lowest productivity (3 to 5 t ha−1). For the rainfed rice, the early planting presented the same productivity as the KATAM planting within the rainy (2.9 to 3.2 t ha−1) and dry season (4.0 to 4.3 t ha−1), respectively. This study confirmed simulation modeling is a useful tool in providing options for rice cropping systems and that a planting time based on the prevailing season conditions will ensure the acceptable rice productivity.