   |
|
| IDRC:
Resources: Books:
Reports
|
| |
|
| IDRC:
Resources: Books:
Reports
|
Water Conservation Methods in Deccan Trap, IndiaOn the Deccan Trap Plateau, the IDRC-funded research team used a variety of techniques. "During the monsoon rains, a sheet of water moves rapidly from high to low elevations, carrying fine-grained surface soil with it. This soil forms a rather hard surface layer at intermediate and low elevations on slopes, making the infiltration of rainwater almost impossible," says Professor Frank Simpson. "The introduction of trenches and ridges (or bunds) created breaks in slope which slowed down the speed of runoff and helped prevent soil from being swept downhill. To encourage infiltration as well as reduce water velocity, we broke that surface 'skin' by digging infiltration pits and trenches, and terracing hillsides."The team also deepened and cleaned existing wells, and created new blast holes to collect water seeping through fractures in the weathered bedrock. In addition, farm ponds were built into hillsides and lined with plastic to prevent seepage. The excavated soil was then used to build a ridge downslope on which crops could be grown. As a result, agricultural production in the area has improved considerably since the project began. "They never used to sell their produce. Now villagers say they take 20-25% of their produce to market in Radure," says Dr Simpson. Other water conservation measures involved the planting of trees, grasses, and other vegetative barriers to help runoff penetrate the soil, weathered bedrock, and natural aquifers. "Water resource management, soil conservation, and the planting of vegetative cover complement each other — you can't really do any one of these things without the other if you want to improve domestic water supply and soil conservation in a dryland region," concludes Dr Simpson. Karen Twitchell Copyright 1998 © International Development Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada Resources | Research Programs | The Institution | CRDI en français |