Techniques of irrigation and soil conservation's and soil health cards

Techniques of Irrigation and Soil conservations and soil Health cards

Techniques of irrigation

Surface Irrigation

In this method water flows and spreads over the surface of the land. Varied quantities of water are allowed on the fields at different times. Hence, flow of water under surface irrigation comes under unsteady flow. As a result it is very difficult to understand the hydraulics of surface irrigation. However, suitable and efficient surface irrigation method can be adopted after taking into consideration various factors which are involved in the hydraulics of surface irrigation.

Overhead or Sprinkler Irrigation

In this method an attempt is made to simulate natural rainfall. Irrigation water is applied to the land in the form of a spray. This method is also known as sprinkler irrigation, Sprinklers can be used on all Soil Types of any topography. According to the equipment and procedure used the sprinkler method may fall in fixed type or portable type.

Drip or Trickle Irrigation

It is a latest advancement over other methods. The name of the method itself implies water saving. In this method irrigation water is conveyed on the surface in 12 to 16 mm diameter tubing’s fed from large feeder pipes. The water is allowed to drip or trickle slowly through the nozzle or orifices at practically zero pressure. In this way the soil in the root-zone of crops is constantly kept wet.

By using this method crops can be grown successfully over the saline lands also. This method has been found to be of great value in reclaiming and developing desert and arid areas. The main drawback of this method is its high cost. But with growing realisation of the value of water this method has been introduced in other countries of the world particularly in desert areas. The method is still in initial stages of development in our country.

Techniques of soil conservation

Soil conservation includes all those measures which help in protecting the soil from erosion and exhaustion. Soil erosion has been continuing over, such a large part of India for such a long time that it has assumed alarming proportions.

Afforestation

The best way to conserve soil is to increase area under forests. Indiscriminate felling of trees should be stopped and efforts should be made to plant trees in new areas. A minimum area of forest land for the whole country that is considered healthy for soil and water conservation is between 20 to 25 per cent but it was raised to 33 per cent in the Second Five Year Plan; the proportion being 20 per cent for the plains and 60 per cent for hilly and mountainous regions.

Checking Overgrazing

Overgrazing of forests and grass lands by animals, especially by goats and sheep, should be properly checked. Separate grazing grounds should be earmarked and fodder crops should be grown in larger quantities. Animals freely move about in the fields for grazing and spoil the soil by their hoofs which leads to soil erosion. This should be avoided.

Constructing Dams

Much of the soil erosion by river floods can be avoided by constructing dams across the rivers. This checks the speed of water and saves soil from erosion.

Changing Agricultural Practices

We can save lot of our valuable soil by bringing about certain changes in our agricultural practices. Some of the outstanding changes suggested in this context are as under:

Crop Rotation: In many parts of India, a particular crop is sown in the same field year after year. This practice takes away certain Elements from the soil, making it infertile and exhausted rendering it unsuitable for that crop. Rotation of crops is the system in which a different crop is cultivated on a piece of land each year.

Strip Cropping: Crops may be cultivated in alternate strips, parallel to one another. Some strips may be allowed to lie fallow while in others different crops may be sown e.g., grains, legumes, small tree crops, grass etc. Various crops ripen at different times of the year and are harvested at intervals. This ensures that at no time of the year the entire area is left bare or exposed. The tall growing crops act as wind breaks and the strips which are often parallel to the contours help in increasing water absorption by the soil by slowing down run off.

Use of Early Maturing Varieties: Early maturing varieties of crops take less time to mature and thus put lesser pressure on the soil. In this way it can help in reducing the soil erosion.

Contour Ploughing: If ploughing in done at right angles to the hill slope, following the natural contours of the hill, the ridges and furrows break the flow of water down the hill This prevents excessive soil loss as gullies are less likely to develop and also reduce run-off so that Plants receive more water.

Soil health cards

Soil Health Card (SHC) is a Government of India’s scheme promoted by the Department of agriculture & Co-operation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. It is being implemented through the Department of Agriculture of all the State and Union Territory Governments. A SHC is meant to give each farmer soil nutrient status of his/her holding and advice him/her on the dosage of Fertilizers and also the needed soil amendments, that s/he should apply to maintain soil health in the long run.

SHC is a printed report that a farmer will be handed over for each of his holdings. It will contain the status of his soil with respect to 12 parameters, namely N,P,K (Macro-nutrients) ; S (Secondary- nutrient) ; Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo (Micro – nutrients) ; and pH, EC, OC (Physical parameters). Based on this, the SHC will also indicate fertilizer recommendations and soil amendment required for the farm.

The card will contain an advisory based on the soil nutrient status of a farmer’s holding. It will show recommendations on dosage of different nutrients needed. Further, it will advise the farmer on the fertilizers and their quantities he should apply, and also the soil amendments that he should undertake, so as to realize optimal yields.

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land to assist in the Growth of crops, and to improve or maintain soil quality. Irrigation systems are used to improve the production of agricultural crops, maintain landscapes, and revegetate disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of less than Average rainfall.

There are many different types of irrigation systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of irrigation systems include:

Surface irrigation: This is the oldest and simplest type of irrigation system. Water is applied to the land in a sheet or flood, and it flows downhill by gravity. Surface irrigation is a relatively inexpensive system to install and operate, but it can be inefficient, as much of the water can be lost to Evaporation or runoff.
Sprinkler irrigation: This type of irrigation system uses sprinklers to spray water onto the land. Sprinkler irrigation is more efficient than surface irrigation, as less water is lost to evaporation or runoff. However, sprinkler irrigation systems can be more expensive to install and operate.
Drip Irrigation: This type of irrigation system delivers water directly to the roots of plants through a Network of small pipes. Drip irrigation is the most efficient type of irrigation system, as very little water is lost to evaporation or runoff. However, drip irrigation systems can be more expensive to install and operate than other types of irrigation systems.

Soil conservation is the prevention of soil loss from erosion or reduced fertility caused by overgrazing and other poor land management practices. Soil conservation includes a variety of practices that help to protect the soil from erosion, such as:

Contour farming: This practice involves planting crops in rows that follow the contours of the land. This helps to reduce runoff and erosion.
Strip cropping: This practice involves planting different types of crops in alternating strips. This helps to break up the wind and water flow, which reduces erosion.
Terrace farming: This practice involves building terraces on sloping land. This helps to level the land and reduce runoff and erosion.
Windbreaks: These are rows of trees or shrubs that are planted to protect the land from wind erosion.
Shelterbelts: These are similar to windbreaks, but they are larger and are planted to protect larger areas of land.

Soil health cards are a tool that can be used to assess the health of soil. Soil health cards typically include information on the following:

Soil Texture: This refers to the size of the particles in the soil. Soil texture can be classified as sand, silt, clay, or loam.
Soil pH: This refers to the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. A pH of 7 is neutral, a pH below 7 is acidic, and a pH above 7 is alkaline.
Organic matter: This refers to the amount of organic material in the soil. Organic matter helps to improve Soil Structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.
Nutrient levels: This refers to the levels of essential nutrients in the soil, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Salinity: This refers to the amount of salt in the soil. High levels of salt can be harmful to plants.

Soil health cards can be used to identify areas of concern and to develop plans to improve soil health. Soil health cards can also be used to track changes in soil health over time.

Irrigation and soil conservation are essential for the production of food and fiber. By using efficient irrigation systems and practicing soil conservation techniques, we can help to ensure that our soils are healthy and productive for future generations.

Techniques of irrigation

What is irrigation?
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land to assist in the growing of crops.
What are the different types of irrigation?
There are many different types of irrigation, including surface irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, and micro-irrigation.
What are the benefits of irrigation?
Irrigation can increase crop yields, improve crop quality, and extend the growing season. It can also help to conserve water and reduce soil erosion.
What are the drawbacks of irrigation?
Irrigation can be expensive, and it can also lead to Water Pollution and soil Salinization.
How can I choose the right irrigation system for my needs?
The best irrigation system for your needs will depend on a number of factors, including the type of crop you are growing, the Climate you live in, and your budget.
How can I improve the efficiency of my irrigation system?
There are a number of ways to improve the efficiency of your irrigation system, including using drip irrigation, micro-irrigation, or a smart irrigation system. You can also adjust the amount of water you apply and the frequency of irrigation.

Soil conservation

What is soil conservation?
Soil conservation is the prevention of soil loss and degradation.
What are the different Types of Soil conservation?
There are many different types of soil conservation, including terracing, contour farming, and cover cropping.
What are the benefits of soil conservation?
Soil conservation can help to prevent soil erosion, improve water quality, and increase crop yields.
What are the drawbacks of soil conservation?
Soil conservation can be expensive, and it can also be difficult to implement in some areas.
How can I improve the soil health on my land?
There are a number of ways to improve the soil health on your land, including adding organic matter, rotating crops, and planting cover crops. You can also avoid Tillage and use no-till Farming practices.

Soil health cards

What is a soil health card?
A soil health card is a tool that farmers can use to assess the health of their soil.
What information is included on a soil health card?
A soil health card typically includes information on the soil’s texture, organic matter content, pH, and nutrient levels.
How can I use a soil health card?
You can use a soil health card to track the changes in your soil’s health over time. You can also use it to compare the health of your soil to the health of other soils in your area.
What are the benefits of using a soil health card?
Using a soil health card can help you to improve the health of your soil, increase crop yields, and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers.

Which of the following is not a technique of irrigation?
(A) Drip irrigation
(B) Sprinkler irrigation
(C) Surface irrigation
(D) Soil conservation
Which of the following is not a soil conservation practice?
(A) Contour farming
(B) Terrace farming
(C) Strip cropping
(D) Soil health cards
Which of the following is not a benefit of irrigation?
(A) Increased crop yields
(B) Reduced soil erosion
(C) Improved water quality
(D) Reduced energy costs
Which of the following is not a benefit of soil conservation?
(A) Increased crop yields
(B) Reduced soil erosion
(C) Improved water quality
(D) Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
Which of the following is not a soil health indicator?
(A) Organic matter content
(B) Soil pH
(C) Soil texture
(D) Soil health cards
Which of the following is not a way to improve soil health?
(A) Add organic matter
(B) Adjust the pH
(C) Improve drainage
(D) Soil health cards
Which of the following is not a risk factor for soil erosion?
(A) Steep slopes
(B) Heavy rains
(C) Wind
(D) Soil health cards
Which of the following is not a way to reduce soil erosion?
(A) Plant cover crops
(B) Terrace fields
(C) Build windbreaks
(D) Soil health cards
Which of the following is not a benefit of reducing soil erosion?
(A) Increased crop yields
(B) Reduced sediment in waterways
(C) Improved water quality
(D) Soil health cards
Which of the following is not a way to improve water quality?
(A) Reduce sediment in waterways
(B) Reduce nutrient runoff
(C) Reduce pesticides in runoff
(D) Soil health cards