Introduction to soil and water conservation

 

  Biological Engineering Bioengineering is the application of engineering design and technology to living systems. Bioengineering techniques used in combination with civil and social engineering measures can reduce the overall cost. Bioengineering offers an environmentally friendly and highly cost and time effective solution to slope instability problems in mountainous and hilly areas and is a technique of choice to control soil erosion, slope failure, landslides, and debris flows, and thus ultimately helping minimize the occurrence of floods and flash floods. Brush layering In brush layering, live-cut branches are interspersed between layers of soil to stabilize a slope against shallow sliding or erosion. Fresh green cuttings are layered in lines across the slope. As the roots grow, they anchor and reinforce the upper soil layers (up to 2 m depth), and the foliage helps to catch debris. Some toe protection structures such as wattle fencing, fiber schine, or rock riprap may be requ...

 Cropping systems Crops with the ability to develop a canopy quickly provide early protection to the soil. Interplanting of erosion-resistant crops like cowpea, soybean, etc. is also helpful. Crop geometry It is essential to manipulate the crop layout in the field in a manner that may prevent soil erosion. Closer spacing of rows across the slope can help in this regard. Contour cultivation It reduces the runoff to a large extent, thereby reducing the soil and nutrient losses. Tillage Low-intensity tillage favors the consolidation of soil through better structure, infiltration, and pore distribution. This imparts erosion resistance. Grasses Grasses perhaps the best friend of soil conservationists. A low and evenly distributed canopy and fibrous root system with much soil binding capacity make grasses highly effective in controlling soil erosion. For non-cultivated lands Contour bunds It is a mechanical barrier built across the slope for safe diversion of excess runoff and retention ...

 The Vasad Centre is one of the Centres established in May 1955. Objectives: Appraisal of ravine problem and conservation of land and water resources along with the Mahi and other river systems in Gujarat. Evaluation of hydrology and management for reducing sediment discharge and improving water regime and productivity in ravine lands. Evaluation and identification of suitable plant material for different land use in ravine land according to land capability. Development of suitable technology for increasing production from ravine lands. Monitoring changes in the environment as affected by land use and management practices in ravine lands. Development of techniques for (a) Rainfed farming and (b) efficient water management in ravine lands. Development of techniques for stabilizing ravine lands. To set up demonstration projects for popularizing soil and water conservation measures in the region.

 Central Soil and water conservation research, demonstration, and training Centre, Udhagamandalam was established in October 1954 by the Central Soil Conservation Board, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Government of India, New Delhi. Objectives: To find out suitable remedial measures for checking accelerated erosion and conserve Soil and Water in the high rainfall hilly regions of Southern India in order to obtain higher yields on a sustained basis from the unit area in unit time without affecting soil fertility. Evaluation of hydrological behavior and management of watersheds for reducing sediment discharges, so as to protect the reservoirs and lakes from siltation and improving water regimes. Evaluation and identification of suitable plant materials for different land use as per the land capability classification. Development of suitable technology for increasing production from eroded and degraded lands. Monitoring of changes in the environment as affected by land use and mana...

 The Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Research Centre, Kota (Rajasthan) were established in October 1954, by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, (Govt. of India). Objectives : Appraisal of ravine problems and conservation of land and water resources along with the river system (Chambal). Evaluation of hydrology and management for reducing sediment discharge and improving water regime and productivity in ravine lands. Evaluation and identification of suitable plant materials for different land use in ravine land according to land capability. Developing suitable technology for increasing production from ravine lands. Monitoring of changes in the environment as affected by land use and management practices in ravine lands. Developing techniques for stabilizing ravine lands To impart specialized training in Watershed Management and Soil Conservation to Officers and Graduate Assistants deputed by the various State Governments.