Which Planting System is More Profitable? A Comparative Study of Rice Farming Using the Legowo and Tegel Systems in Sawit Subdistrict, Boyolali, Indonesia

¹ Agribusiness Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia
² Research Fellow, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
³ Agribusiness Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study aims to compare the economic performance of rice farming under two different planting systems—Jajar Legowo and Tegel—in Sawit Subdistrict, Boyolali Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Using a quantitative causal-comparative approach, data were collected from 100 rice farmers, divided equally between users of the Jajar Legowo and Tegel systems. Economic indicators such as production, cost, revenue, income, profit, and efficiency were analyzed using independent sample t-tests. Additionally, binary logistic regression was applied to identify the factors influencing adoption of the Jajar Legowo system. The findings indicate that the Jajar Legowo system significantly outperforms the Tegel system in terms of production (3,360 vs. 2,702 kg/ha), income, and profit, despite similar total costs. The system's spatial configuration enhances sunlight exposure and air circulation, thereby improving productivity and efficiency (R/C ratio of 3.5 vs. 2.9). Logistic regression results show that farming experience, the role of extension services, and farmers' income significantly influence adoption decisions. These results highlight the Jajar Legowo system’s potential as a profitable and sustainable rice cultivation method, suggesting the need for targeted policy support to encourage broader adoption among smallholder farmers