Paper Details
Evaluation of Soil Moisture Retention Techniques for Enhancing Crop Productivity in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
Authors
Sanjay kumar Shriwas
Abstract
This study evaluates the effectiveness of soil moisture retention techniques, including mulching, conservation tillage, and cover cropping, in enhancing crop productivity in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, a semi-arid region prone to erratic rainfall. Soil moisture retention is crucial for sustaining agricultural yields in such environments, where water scarcity often limits crop growth. The research was conducted across 15 farms, with each farm implementing one of the three techniques. Soil moisture content was measured at three depths (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, and 20-30 cm), and crop yields were assessed over two growing seasons.
The results demonstrated that mulching was the most effective technique, improving soil moisture content by 25% at a 0-10 cm depth and leading to an 18% increase in crop yields compared to conventional practices. Conservation tillage also showed significant benefits, with a 22% increase in soil moisture and a 12% yield improvement. Cover cropping, while enhancing soil health and organic matter, was slightly less effective in terms of moisture retention, with a 20% moisture improvement and a 10% yield increase.
These findings suggest that soil moisture retention techniques, particularly mulching, can significantly improve water-use efficiency and crop productivity in water-stressed regions like Bilaspur. The study highlights the need for broader adoption of these techniques, supported by government policies and farmer education, to promote sustainable agriculture in semi-arid environments. Further research on long-term impacts and economic viability is recommended to optimize these practices for widespread use.
Keywords
Soil moisture retention, mulching, conservation tillage, cover cropping, crop productivity, Bilaspur, water-use efficiency.
Citation
Evaluation of Soil Moisture Retention Techniques for Enhancing Crop Productivity in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Sanjay kumar Shriwas. 2016. IJIRCT, Volume 2, Issue 4. Pages 1-8. https://www.ijirct.org/viewPaper.php?paperId=2409020