Study Of Erosion Hazard Levels For Land Conservation Direction In Various Types Of Land Use In Merdeka District, Karo Regency

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Introduction

Erosion is a significant environmental issue that affects various types of land use, including agricultural, residential, and forest areas. In Merdeka District, Karo Regency, erosion has become a pressing concern due to the increasing demand for land use and the lack of effective conservation measures. This study aims to identify the level of erosion in Merdeka District, Karo Regency, and provide a reference for land conservation in various types of land use.

Methodology

The study was conducted from June to September 2016 using the survey-based erosion prediction analysis method and calculating using the USLE (Universal Soil Loss Equation) method. The USLE method is a widely used approach for estimating soil erosion rates, which takes into account several factors, including rainfall, soil type, land use, and slope.

Research Result

The results of the study showed that the highest erosion rate was found on the field of upland, which reached 2,959,018 tons/ha/year with the land units of IIIVUS. Conversely, the lowest erosion rate occurs in residential land use, which is only 29,810 tons/ha/year with Iikk land units. The use of shrub land shows the highest permissible erosion rate, which is 36.96 tons/ha/year (IIBL land unit), while the lowest erosion on shrub land is 6.81 tons/ha/year (IVBL land unit).

Erosion Hazard Index

In the analysis of the erosion hazard index, secondary forest land recorded the highest value with 342 tons/ha/year (IVHz land unit). Meanwhile, shrub land shows the lowest danger index, which is only 1.08 tons/ha/year (IIBL land unit). Based on the data obtained, there are three categories of erosion hazard levels in Merdeka District:

  1. Medium Erosion Hazard Level: Includes the use of residential land, secondary forests, shrubs, and tegalan.
  2. High Level of Erosion Hazard: Occurs in the use of secondary forest land.
  3. Very High Erosion Hazard Level: Involving the use of residential land, secondary forests, shrubs, and teasing.

Soil Conservation Technique

To overcome the problem of erosion, the soil conservation technique applied in Merdeka District includes two main approaches: mechanical and vegetative conservation techniques.

Mechanical Conservation Techniques

Mechanical conservation techniques are used to control erosion by modifying the physical environment. Some of the techniques used in Merdeka District include:

  • Bench Terrace: Reduce water flow and improve infiltration.
  • Guludan: Prevent erosion on the slope.
  • Water Storage Channels: Managing surface water flow.
  • The Tract of the Pesting: Distribute water in a safe direction.
  • Planting Parallel to Contours: Optimizing land use in a hilly area.

Vegetative Conservation Techniques

Vegetative conservation techniques are used to control erosion by modifying the vegetation cover. Some of the techniques used in Merdeka District include:

  • Overlapping: Planting several types of plants in one area to increase diversity and reduce erosion.
  • Organic Mulch: Applying a layer of organic matter to protect the soil.
  • Perennial Enrichment: Increase the number of trees to prevent erosion.
  • Multipurpose Tree: Using plants that have various functions.
  • Mixed Gardens: Arrange various types of plants in the same land for diversity.
  • Ground Cover Plants: Using plants that can cover the soil to prevent erosion.

Conclusion

Erosion is a significant environmental issue that affects various types of land use in Merdeka District, Karo Regency. The study found that the highest erosion rate was found on the field of upland, while the lowest erosion rate occurs in residential land use. The use of shrub land shows the highest permissible erosion rate, while the lowest erosion on shrub land is 6.81 tons/ha/year. The study also found that there are three categories of erosion hazard levels in Merdeka District, including medium, high, and very high erosion hazard levels.

The soil conservation technique applied in Merdeka District includes two main approaches: mechanical and vegetative conservation techniques. Mechanical conservation techniques are used to control erosion by modifying the physical environment, while vegetative conservation techniques are used to control erosion by modifying the vegetation cover. These techniques are expected to be implemented effectively in various types of land use in Merdeka District, such as settlements, secondary forests, shrubs, and drying. With the right conservation steps, it is expected that erosion risk can be minimized and the preservation of land can be maintained for the sustainability of land use in the future.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Implementing Soil Conservation Techniques: The government and local communities should implement soil conservation techniques, such as mechanical and vegetative conservation techniques, to control erosion in Merdeka District.
  2. Increasing Public Awareness: The government and local communities should increase public awareness about the importance of soil conservation and the risks associated with erosion.
  3. Developing Sustainable Land Use Plans: The government and local communities should develop sustainable land use plans that take into account the risks associated with erosion and the need for soil conservation.
  4. Providing Technical Assistance: The government and local communities should provide technical assistance to farmers and land users to help them implement soil conservation techniques.

By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that erosion risk can be minimized and the preservation of land can be maintained for the sustainability of land use in the future.

Q: What is erosion and why is it a concern in Merdeka District, Karo Regency?

A: Erosion is the process of soil and rock being worn away by natural forces such as water, wind, and ice. In Merdeka District, Karo Regency, erosion is a concern because it can lead to soil degradation, loss of fertile land, and increased risk of landslides and floods.

Q: What are the main causes of erosion in Merdeka District, Karo Regency?

A: The main causes of erosion in Merdeka District, Karo Regency are:

  • Deforestation and land clearing for agriculture and urban development
  • Soil degradation due to intensive farming practices
  • Climate change and increased rainfall
  • Poor land use planning and management

Q: What are the different types of erosion hazard levels in Merdeka District, Karo Regency?

A: The different types of erosion hazard levels in Merdeka District, Karo Regency are:

  • Medium erosion hazard level: Includes the use of residential land, secondary forests, shrubs, and tegalan
  • High level of erosion hazard: Occurs in the use of secondary forest land
  • Very high erosion hazard level: Involving the use of residential land, secondary forests, shrubs, and teasing

Q: What are the soil conservation techniques used in Merdeka District, Karo Regency?

A: The soil conservation techniques used in Merdeka District, Karo Regency include:

  • Mechanical conservation techniques: Such as bench terracing, guludan, water storage channels, and planting parallel to contours
  • Vegetative conservation techniques: Such as overlapping, organic mulch, perennial enrichment, multipurpose tree, mixed gardens, and ground cover plants

Q: How can individuals and communities contribute to soil conservation in Merdeka District, Karo Regency?

A: Individuals and communities can contribute to soil conservation in Merdeka District, Karo Regency by:

  • Planting trees and shrubs to stabilize soil and prevent erosion
  • Using conservation tillage and mulching to reduce soil disturbance
  • Implementing sustainable land use practices, such as agroforestry and permaculture
  • Participating in community-based soil conservation initiatives and projects

Q: What are the benefits of soil conservation in Merdeka District, Karo Regency?

A: The benefits of soil conservation in Merdeka District, Karo Regency include:

  • Reduced risk of landslides and floods
  • Improved soil fertility and productivity
  • Increased biodiversity and ecosystem services
  • Enhanced livelihoods and economic opportunities for local communities

Q: How can individuals and communities access information and resources on soil conservation in Merdeka District, Karo Regency?

A: Individuals and communities can access information and resources on soil conservation in Merdeka District, Karo Regency through:

  • Local government and extension services
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs)
  • Online resources and publications
  • Workshops and training programs

Q: What is the role of government and local authorities in promoting soil conservation in Merdeka District, Karo Regency?

A: The government and local authorities play a crucial role in promoting soil conservation in Merdeka District, Karo Regency by:

  • Developing and implementing policies and regulations to support soil conservation
  • Providing technical assistance and training to farmers and land users
  • Allocating resources and funding for soil conservation initiatives and projects
  • Collaborating with local communities and stakeholders to promote soil conservation practices.