Recognizing Indigenous Knowledge on Agricultural Landscape in Bali for Micro Climate and Environment Control

Abstract Physical and cultural conditions are fundamental factors in creating the formation of a terraced agricultural landscape.Studying the formation of terraced landscape is essential in order to understand the interaction between human activities and the natural processes that can be used to strengthen the adaptive capability in response to climate change and environment control. Terracedagricultural landscape in Batukaru Mountain's slope was selected as one of major terraced rice landscapes in Bali. The spatial pattern distribution and characteristics of landscapes were investigated using geographical information system, and the indigenous knowledge mechanism behinds the sustainability was discussed physically and culturally. The results showed that the harmony between the vertical pattern of the landscape, shape of terrace, irrigation system and conservative vegetative landscape along the steep slope and high elevation has protected the landscape. The controlled irrigation system has assured water to flow from the top to the bottom and even to places that seem impossible to reach by natural river water. The intangible agricultural indigenous concept called Tri Hita Karana was adhered to in organizing the layout of landscape elements such as forest, temple, terraced paddy field, irrigation network, and settlement which will continue to affect the sustainability throughout years.