The Infiltration Rate in Orange Grove (Citrus maxima) and Secondary Forest in the Segeri Watershed

Abstract

Abstract Large oranges are one of the leading commodities in the Pangkep area, South Sulawesi. However, farmers face challenges regarding water availability for watering orange plants. This is because the water in the soil cannot meet the water needs of citrus plants during the dry season. On the other hand, secondary forests have the potential and function to maintain environmental balance. One of the important functions of secondary forests is to provide water through the infiltration process in the hydrological cycle. This research aims to determine the physical properties of the soil and differences in infiltration rates using the Horton method in orange groves and secondary forests in the Segeri Watershed. The necessary data includes the RBI land cover map in the Segeri watershed to determine soil sampling locations, which are then tested in the laboratory to obtain values for bulk density, soil porosity, organic matter, permeability, and soil structure. The infiltration rate is then measured until it reaches a constant value in its decline. This research found the values of bulk density, soil porosity, permeability, organic matter, and soil texture class in orange groves, respectively, as 265 gr/cm³, 56.74%, 7.62 cm/hour, 1.85%, and sandy loam. Meanwhile, in secondary forests, these values were 218 gr/cm³, 58.47%, 7.87 cm/hour, 3.71%, and sandy clay loam. The average infiltration rate in orange groves is 12.1 cm/hour, while the average infiltration rate in secondary forests is 15 cm/hour.

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