Crop production and economic loss due to wind erosion in hot arid ecosystem of India

Abstract

Wind erosion is a severe land degradation process in hot arid western India and affects the agricultural production system. It affects crop yield directly by damaging the crops through abrasion, burial, dust deposition etc. and indirectly by reducing soil fertility. In this study, an attempt was made to quantify the indirect impact of wind erosion process on crop production loss and associated economic loss in hot arid ecosystem of India. It has been observed that soil loss due to wind erosion varies from minimum 1.3 t ha−1 to maximum 83.3 t ha−1 as per the severity. Yield loss due to wind erosion was found maximum for groundnut (Arachis hypogea) (5–331 kg ha−1 yr−1), whereas minimum for moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia) (1–93 kg ha−1 yr−1). For pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), which covers a major portion of arable lands in western Rajasthan, the yield loss was found 3–195 kg ha−1 yr−1. Economic loss was found higher for groundnut and clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) than rest crops, which are about Rs. 191–12465 ha−1 depending on the severity of wind erosion. For mustard (Brassica spp.) and wheat (Triticum spp.) the economic loss was about 47–3181 ha−1, whereas for pearl millet the economic loss was lowest (Rs. 36–2294 ha−1). In this calculation only indirect impact of wind erosion in terms of reduction in soil fertility was considered. There is need of future research work for assessing the direct damage on crops by wind erosion process, addition of which may lead to higher magnitude of losses.