RESOURCE CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES FOR SUSTAINABLE CROP PRODUCTION IN WESTERN HIMALAYAN REGION

Abstract

WITH THE SUPPORT OF RESEARCH DATA, THE AUTHOR DISCUSS VARIOUS SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES, INCLUDING BOTH AGRONOMIC AND MECHANICAL , FOR WESTERN HIMALAYAN REGION WHERE RUNOFF AND SOIL LOSSES ARE HEAVY RESULTING IN IMPOVERISHED LAND AND LOW CROP PRODUCTION. AGRONOMIC MEASURES RECOMMENDED INCLUDE CONTOUR CULTIVATION , CONTOUR STRIP CROPPING, MIXED CROPPING , TILLAGE AND SURFACE MULCHING AND ZERO TILLAGE WITH LIVE MULCH. THE MECHANICAL MEASURES ADOPTED CONSIST OF CONTOUR/ FIELD BUNDING , GRADED BUNDING AND BENCH TERRACING. SUCH MEASURES PROVIDE THE NEEDED BARRIER ACROSS THE DIRECTION OF FLOW OF RUNOFF TO INCREASE RAIN WATER INFILTRATION INTO SOIL PROFILE. COMPLEMENTARY TO EACH OTHER , THE MECHANICAL AND AGRONOMIC CONSERVATION PRACTICES REDUCE THE SOIL AND WATER LOSSES AND ALSO IMPROVE THE CROP YIELDS SUBSTANTIALLY.