Cropping pattern as the key for sustainable agriculture in the dry land of the Gunungsewu Gunungkidul karst area

Dry land of karst area depends on rainfall for water supply, so cropping pattern as an important factor in agricultural sustainability. This research aimed to formulate cropping pattern as the key to sustainable agriculture in the dry land of karst area. Research was conducted in dry land of karst area, Gunungsewu, D.I. Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from January to July 2024. Observation, interview and literature study were conducted to formulate sustainable cropping pattern. Results showed that crop water requirement and rainfall determine cropping pattern. Effective rainfall in first growing season allows for cultivation of rice, corn, groundnut, soybean, and cassava. In second growing season, effective rainfall supports cultivation of corn, groundnut, soybean, and cassava. Without irrigation, third growing season is fallow. Resources in the form of water, sunlight, plant commodities, manure, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, litter, household waste, fuel and electricity are managed to support the success of cropping pattern. Successful cropping pattern are characterized by resource optimization, increased crop diversity and yield, improved soil fertility and nutrient, reduced soil degradation and crop failure, and greenhouse gas mitigation. As key to sustainable agriculture, cropping pattern are built on the basis of resource optimization, taking into account physical, economical, social and environmental aspects.