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VL17
VL17
UNIT-4
INDIAN TRADITIONS,
CULTURE AND SOCIETY
(KNC 602)
Ponds and Tanks: Creation of small reservoirs and percolation tanks to hold
run-off water must be implemented and maintained well. Agronomic practices
like off-season tillage (prior to pre-monsoon showers) conserve soil moisture.
Moisture penetration to a depth of 90 cm. is achieved if the land is ploughed to
a depth of 30 cm. Other practices like early sowing of seeds, moderate use of
fertilisers, weeding, pest and disease control and timely harvesting increase the
yield inspite of limited moisture in the soil.
WATER MANAGEMENT IN INDIA
Terrace cultivation of hilly slopes prevents water run-off. Contour ploughing and planting of grasses
and trees check run-off water and increase the soil's capacity to retain moisture.
Green manuring (incorporation of fresh green leaves into the soil) and crop-rotation (cultivating
different crops in rotation depending upon the soil and climate, e.g. cereals followed by legumes)
conserve soil moisture. Mulching the soil with organic residue conserves soil moisture.
The use of sprinkler irrigation for closely-spaced crops like millet, pulses, groundnuts, etc., conserves
30 to 40% of the surface water.
Drip irrigation is most suited for closely-spaced row crops like vegetables, cotton, sugarcane. The
efficiency of this system is around 25 to 30% in conserving soil moisture. The cheapest and easiest
form of drip irrigation is to drill one to three holes in a mud pot and bury it partially in the soil next to
the plant. The water in the pot drips slowly, ensuring that the soil is continuously moist and the plant
gets a constant supply of water.
Harvesting rain water and storing it in small ponds ensures water supply
during summer.
Deep trenches can be dug adjacent to bunds to collect run off water and soil.
All these practices are useful only if utilised properly.