Estimation of planting season for food crops based on water balance model at center of food crops, Parimo Regency, Central Sulawesi Province

Abstract Rice is an essential and strategic commodity because of its role as the staple food of Indonesian society. The purpose of this study is to facilitate farmers in planning system of planting patterns based on water balance model. It is useful to reduce the risk of crop failure in the centre for food crops. Therefore, it is necessary to make a good plan in regulating rice cropping system pattern based on water balance model. The method used is Thornhtwaite and Mather. The data needed to conduct this research are rainfall, temperature data, evapotranspiration data and soil sample data of each sub-district in Parigi Moutong. The results showed that there were some sub-districts not suitable to be planted rice, i.e. Palasa, Siniu, Ampibabo, Suli and Torue. Therefore, other plant alternatives are needed to support food security of Parigi Moutong. The appropriate sub-districts as centres for paddy, i.e. Moutong, Sausu, Toribuli Tinombo Selatan, Dolago and Baliara. The results of this research make researchers easier to map the area after it is known which areas are suitable to be a centre for food crops especially paddy. Finally, it needs great support from the government to create strong food security in Parigi Moutong.