Soil Erosion and runoff control in farm lands of dry areas

Abstract

In the recent past, with changing rainfall scenario, land degradation as well as scarcity of water has becone a common phenomenon in the dry areas. Runoff management is an important area to be considered while managing the limited resources of soil and water in dry areas. Some important and basic technique have been described in this chapter to manage agriculture land in such areas. These techniques atre especially in relation to rainfall, soil, local cropping practices and mechanism for management of exoess runoff. The principles of runoff management are to minimize the concentrations of runoff volume and slowing the runoff velocity. The choice of appropriate measures depends on soil, topography, climatic and socio-economic considerations. lt is difficult to generalize about applicability of these measures. The sd conservation becomes a critical task for sustainable development for combating further land degradatior and investing in ifuture conservation. The improvement in soil quality along with sequestration of sd organic carbon has tremendous potential for increasing productivity and conserving natural resources. The most appropriate strategy for combating soil erosion and runoff management in dry regions depends upon identifying the influencing key factors and their adoptability in the area.