Agronomic measures in dryland agriculture: An overview

Soil and water conservation measures consist of agronomical and mechanical methods. Agronomic methods are supported with mechanical measures where land slope exceeds permissible limits and runoff gains erosive velocities.

The following boxes explain the nature of agronomic measures which are essential in inter-bunded or terraced areas. These practices enhance the utility value of all kinds of mechanical structures.

Contour Tillage

All agricultural operations such as ridging, ploughing, harrowing, sowing, trenching, etc., are recommended to be done on the contour wherever possible or at least generally across the direction of the slope where holdings are very small. Even though the operation is very simple, it plays a major role in retarding the process of soil erosion through runoff. It also conserves soil, and due to increased time of concentration, more rainwater seeps through the soil profile to recharge ground water. Summer ploughing leaves the soil highly absorbent of initial rains.

Dead Furrows

Organic Matter

• excessive depletion of scarce soil moisture for its own transformation;
• reduction in all soil microorganism activity; and
• destruction of soil structure

Selection of Drought-Resistant Varieties

Early Maturing Varieties

Strip Cropping

Wind Erosion

Agro-horticulture

Role of Vegetation

Seed Rates

Line Sowing

Wider Spacing

Weeding

Mixed/Inter Cropping

Mulching

Contingent Planning

Buffer Strips

Mechanical Methods

Indigenous technical knowledge