IN-SITU MOISTURE CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES

 

Micro catchments:

 

1.

Function

:

  • To conserve insitu moisture and reduce soil loss

  • Circular basin of one meter dia for level lands depending upon infiltration and rainfall

  • ‘ V’ ditches of size 5m x 5m with trees planted centre and height according to the rainfall and slope of slopy lands

  • Saucer basins / semi circular bunds with 2m diameter to a height of 15-20cm across the slope

 

 

Broad beds and furrows:

 

1.

Function

:

To control erosion and to conserve soil moisture in the soil   during rainy days

 
2. General information : The broad bed and furrow system is laid within the field boundaries. The land levels taken and it is laid using either animal drawn or tractor drawn ridgers.

 
3. Cost : Approximate cost for laying beds and furrows is Rs. 1000/-  per ha.

 
4. Salient features :

  • Conserves soil moisture in dryland.

  • Controls sol erosion.
  • Acts as a drainage channel during heavy rainy days.

 

 

Contour bund:

 

1.

Function

:

To intercept the runoff flowing down the slope by an embankment.

2.

General information

:

It helps to control runoff velocity. The embankment may be closed or open, surplus arrangements are provided whenever necessary.

3.

Cost

:

Approximate cost for laying contour bund is Rs. 1500/- per ha.

4.

Salient features

:

  • It can be adopted in light and medium textured soils.

  • It can be laid upto 6% slopes.

  • It helps to retain moisture in the field.

 

 

SPECIFICATION FOR BUND CROSS SECTION

 

 

Depth of soil
m

Base width m

Top width m

Height m

Side slope m

Area cross section sq.m

Shallow soils
(7.5 – 22.5 cm)

2.67

0.38

0.75

1.5 : 1

1.14

Medium soil
(22.5 – 45 cm)

3.12

0.60

0.85

1.5 : 1

1.56

Medium deep soils

4.25

0.60

0.90

2 : 1

2.18

 

 

Situations for various bunding options:

 

Bunding options

Soil type

Rainfall (mm)

Slope (%)

Contour bund

Light soil

<600

>1.5

Graded bund

All soils

>600

1.5

Bench terraces

Deep soil

>1000

6.0

Graded boarder strip

Deep alfisol and related red soil

>800

>1.5

 

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