Growing Corn in Dry Land and Climate Using Panca Management Technology in Situbondo, East Java

What is it about?

This study examines the development of corn farming in dry land and dry climate conditions using Panca Management Technology in Situbondo, East Java. The region has large arid lands with poor soil fertility and limited water access, making it difficult for farmers to achieve high productivity. To address these challenges, the research implements five key land management strategies: water management, nutrient management, organic matter management, soil amelioration and conservation, and crop-livestock integration. The study was conducted over 20 hectares of farmland, where different agricultural techniques were tested, including superimposed planting systems, improved irrigation methods, biochar application, and balanced fertilization. The results show that Panca Management Technology significantly increases corn yields by improving soil quality, optimizing water use, and enhancing crop resilience to drought. Farmers adopting this approach achieved higher productivity and income compared to traditional methods, demonstrating the potential for scaling up sustainable corn farming in dry regions.

Featured Image

Photo by Jesse Gardner on Unsplash

Photo by Jesse Gardner on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is important because it provides a sustainable solution for increasing corn production in dry land and dry climate conditions, which are becoming more prevalent due to climate change and water scarcity. Situbondo, East Java, like many other arid regions, faces challenges such as poor soil fertility, limited water availability, and low crop productivity. By implementing Panca Management Technology, this study offers a practical and effective approach to maximize agricultural potential in these challenging environments. The findings are particularly significant for smallholder farmers, who often struggle with low yields and economic instability due to unfavorable environmental conditions. The integration of water-efficient irrigation, balanced fertilization, biochar application, and soil conservation techniques enables farmers to increase their productivity while maintaining soil health and sustainability. Moreover, by demonstrating higher yields and better economic returns, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers, agricultural extension programs, and rural development initiatives. Ensuring food security and economic resilience in dry regions is essential for national agricultural sustainability, making this study highly relevant in the face of climate change and global food challenges.

Perspectives

“

From my perspective, this research presents a practical and scalable approach to overcoming the challenges of corn farming in dry land and dry climate conditions, particularly in regions like Situbondo, East Java. The implementation of Panca Management Technology—which integrates water management, soil conservation, organic matter application, nutrient optimization, and crop-livestock integration—demonstrates a holistic solution that enhances both crop productivity and long-term soil sustainability. What I find particularly valuable is the study’s farmer-centric approach, involving local farmers in the implementation and evaluation of innovative techniques. By testing biochar application, superimposed planting, and efficient irrigation systems, the study not only identifies effective strategies but also ensures practical adoption at the farmer level. However, for broader impact, policy support and financial incentives will be necessary to expand the adoption of these techniques across larger areas. A key takeaway from this research is the importance of integrating local resources, such as livestock waste for organic fertilizer and well-drilling for irrigation, to create self-sustaining agricultural systems. Moving forward, further research should explore cost-effective scaling methods, digital monitoring technologies, and climate-resilient seed varieties to enhance crop adaptability in arid regions. This study lays a strong foundation for sustainable dryland agriculture, contributing to food security, economic stability, and climate resilience for smallholder farmers.

”