Dynamics of land cover change on hydrological conditions using the soil and water assessment tool model in the Tiworo watershed
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1
Department of Forestry Science, Faculty of Forestry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
2
Department of Forestry Science, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Haluoleo University, Kendari 93232, Indonesia
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Corresponding author
Andang Suryana Soma
Department of Forestry Science, Faculty of Forestry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
Ecol. Eng. Environ. Technol. 2025; 2:14-26
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ABSTRACT
Land cover changes in watersheds can affect various hydrological aspects such as river flow, sedimentation, and water quality. Changes in land cover, from forests to farmlands or settlements, can lead to significant shifts in local hydrological cycles. This study aims to analyze the dynamics of land cover change and its impact on hydrological conditions in the Tiworo watershed. The research was conducted in the Tiworo watershed area, covering Muna and West Muna Regencies, with an area of 25,445.84 hectares. Using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), the study's results for the period from 2017 to 2022 revealed no groundwater flow. This condition reflects a potential issue with groundwater parameters in the model or insufficient groundwater recharge during this period. However, with increased rainfall, groundwater loss is influenced by land conversion into settlements and the integration of dryland agriculture with shrubs, ponds, and rice fields. The magnitude of surface runoff, the decrease in lateral flow (interflow), water yield, and reduced infiltration processes increased fluctuations in Qmax (m³/s), Qmin (m³/s), and the flow regime coefficient (KRA) in the Tiworo watershed.