Impact of different conservation measures on rehabilitation of degraded lands and agricultural productivity.
Koppad A. G., Manjappa K., Chandrasekharaiah A. M.
Author Affiliation: College of Forestry, Sirsi - 581 401, Karnataka, India.
Indian Journal of Soil Conservation 29 : 148-151
Abstract : A study was conducted during 1994-98 to evaluate the effect of different soil and water conservation practices, viz. mechanical measures (terracing, bund stabilization, drop structures and drainage channel), agronomic measures (crop introduction, N and K fertilizer application) and alternate land use systems (agro-horticulture and agroforestry), on agricultural production in the Varada watershed in Karnataka, India. The productivity of different crops such as rice, pigeon pea, and horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum] increased by 55, 124 and 21%, respectively, due to different conservation practices over control. Improved varieties of rice 'Abhilash', pigeon pea 'S-1', turmeric 'Co-1' and ginger 'Alleby' gave an average yield of 24.66, 8.92, 220 and 245 q ha-1, respectively. Results showed that there was a considerable increase in agricultural production in the area when the new technologies were adopted. Further, alternate land use systems such as teak [Tectona grandis]-based agroforestry and mango-based agri-horticulture systems were successfully adopted by the farmers.