Land Use Optimization in Asahan Watershed with Linear Programming and SWAT Model
Abstract
Erosion occurring within a watershed can threaten land use sustainability through land quality degradation. To minimize erosion in Asahan Watershed, this study employs land use optimization technique through linear program and spatial optimization. Optimization wasapplied to minimize erosion with a number of constraints and taking the land’s economic value into consideration. Spatial optimization uses the query method based on land capability category to obtain a combination of optimal land use area to be simulated using the SWAT model. Results indicate that to minimize erosion, there is a large change in forested land area, increased plantation and rice field areas, reduced dry farm land areas, and barren land soil and shrubs converted into other vegetated areas. These changes can reduce erosion without reducing water yield in the SWAT model simulation. .