Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Ponding Rain-Water at Crop Field by High Levees
During the wet spell of weather, water can be stored in the crop field by making
high (
30 cm) levees around the plot, especially for rice crop. This stored water will
serve the purpose of irrigation during long dry spell. This approach is very useful
where the natural rainfall is uncertain and uneven, and supplemental irrigation is a
must.
Increasing Soil Moisture Storage Capacity in the Crop Root Zone
Addition of Organic Matter Increasing water storage within the soil profile is
necessary to increase plant available soil water. Increasing soil's organic matter
(OM) has long been recognized as an effective way of improving soil physical
and chemical conditions, and water-holding capacity. Increasing the OM content
of sandy soils increases the available water storage capacity, permits greater infil-
tration, and increases root proliferation throughout the soil profile. The OM releases
water slowly, resulting more efficient use of water, facilitating proper crop growth
and thus increase in yield and water productivity.
Tillage and Subsoiling Active deep roots help to reduce drainage losses and
abstract soil water. But in most cases, the subsoils are not suitable for root extension
or inhibit root extension due to hard layer (often called plow pan). Tillage breaks
surface soil crust. This leads to increased water storage by increased infiltration and
increased root area. Sub-soiling or deep tillage breaks plow pan, and thus facilitate
root expansion (and hence increased root area) and more soil moisture abstraction.
Other Management Factors
Among the management factors for more productive farming systems are the use of
improved or suitable crop rotation, sowing dates, crop density, raised bed and the
role of previous crops.
Public Awareness Approaches
Public awareness and education have been identified as key aspects of any demand
side management plan in many places around the world. The most frequently used
public awareness approaches directed to encourage water conservation are print
media (brochures), information packages, media information, public lectures and
meetings, working with local school, low water use landscape demonstration, etc.
Demonstration of real cost savings to consumers may be an effective means to
reduce water loss.
Other Measures
These include working with large water users to conserve water, water conservation
plans or strategies, water audit, and working with other organizations or groups to
promote water conservation.
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