This document discusses methods of soil and water conservation in agriculture. It outlines various physical, agronomic, and vegetative methods to control soil erosion and conserve water resources. Some key methods mentioned include contour bunding, terracing, strip cropping, mulching, and planting grass barriers or trees. The objectives of these conservation practices are to promote proper land use, prevent soil erosion and degradation, maintain soil fertility, and regulate water resources and availability.

1. SOIL AND WATER CO
NSERVATION METHO
DS IN AGRICULTURE
PRESENTED BY:
VAISHALI SHARMA
B.Sc (Ag.) IVth year
BANARAS HINDU
UNIVERSITY
AGR-411(0+4)

2. CONTENT
1. INTRODUCTION
2. OBJECTIVES OF SOIL CONSERVATION
3. METHODS OF SOIL CONSERVATION
4. WATER CONSERVATION
5. METHODS OF WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES
6. FACTORS AFFECTING SOIL AND WATER
CONSERVATION

3. INTRODUCTION
 Conservation of soil and water resources is i
mportant for sustainability of agriculture and
environment.
 Soil and water resources are being det
eriorated due to different anthropogeni
c and natural factors
 Soil erosion is one of the several major
deteriorative processes which results i
n deterioration of the soil
 Different control measures should be a
dopted to protect the soil resources ag
ainst erosion.
 Conservation of soil and water resources is i
mportant for sustainability of agriculture and
environment.
 Soil and water resources are being det
eriorated due to different anthropogeni
c and natural factors
 Soil erosion is one of the several major
deteriorative processes which results i
n deterioration of the soil
 Different control measures should be a
dopted to protect the soil resources ag
ainst erosion.

4. SOIL EROSION
Soil is washed by off rain, runoff water or waves, blown b
y wind.
FORMS OF EROSION
I. Normal
II. Accelerated
soil detachment movement
deposition

5. AGENTS AND PROCESS OF EROSION
Agents of soil erosion
I. Sheet erosion
II. Rill erosion
III.Gully erosion
IV.Slip erosion
V. Stream bank erosion
I. Saltation(1-1.5 mm)
II. Suspension (less than 1
mm )
III.Surface creep(larger
then 0.5-3 mm )
Water Wind

6. SOIL CONSERVATION
Soil conservation is using and managing land base
d on capabilities of the land itself, involving the appl
ication of the best practices to result in greatest pro
fitable production without damaging the land.
This is accomplished by:
(1) Land use based on capabilities
(2) Conservation of soil & moisture to avoid damage t
o the soil
(3) Use of the best soil and crop management practice
s, correction of acidity, alkalinity and drainage etc.

7. OBJECTIVES OF SOIL CO
NSERVATION
1. Promotion of proper land use
2. Prevention of Soil erosion and restoration of the fertility of eroded l
and
3. Maintenance of soil fertility
4. Reduction of water runoff and regulation of water resources
5. Prevention of water pollution caused by carried off soil and debris
6. Enforcement of safe drainage and irrigation on slope land
7. Prevention of wind erosion.

8. Measures to prevent erosion may b
e broadly grouped as:
Mechanical
Agronomic
Forestry and
Agrostological measures

9. Physical/ mechanical process-
1. Bunding:
a.Block bunding:
I. constructed of earth or stone or both, to i
mpound water and
II. arrest soil washed from the fields lying abo
ve.

10. b. Contour bunding:
I. In areas with less than 1,500 mm rai
nfall
II. up to 6 percent slope of land.

11. c. Graded bunding:
I. In high rainfall areas for avoiding waterlogg
ed condition of soil.
II.6 to 8 per cent slopes
III.Grassed waterways for outlet
D.Gully or nala control:

12. Terraces:
earthen embankments at right angle to the
steepest slopes
I. Bench Terraces:
a.slope ranging from 16 to 33 percent
b.recommended on steeper slopes
II. Zing terracing:
c.with 3 to 10 percents
d.medium to deep soils
e.moderate to high rainfall areas

13. Vegetative barriers:
 Perennial with stiff stems
 Resume growth
 Rhizomatous growth characters
 E.g. switch grass (Panicum virgatum)
gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides)
Grassed waterways:
E.g. rhizomatous grasses i.e. Panicum repens, Brachi
aria mutica, Cynodon dactylon, Paspalum notatum
i. spread very quickly
ii. protection to the channel

14. Agriculture practices
I. Strip cropping:
II. Mulching:
III. Rotation of crops:
IV. Contour cultivation:
V. Planting of grasses for stabilizing bunds:
VI. Planting of trees and aforestation:

15. Agrostological measures:
Ley farming:
Grasses: improve soil structure, infiltration,
important fodder crops
Palatable and High yielding grasses : Pennise
tum purpureum, Setaria sphacelata
Forestry measures:

16. WATER CONSERVATION
Efficient management to reduce evaporation and to make water
available when and where needed.
Objectives of Water Conservation and Management
Improve availability of water for plant use
Hydropower generation
Irrigation

17. METHODS OF WATER CONSERVATION P
RACTICES
 Water resources development
I. Collection and storage of surface water
II. Recharge of ground water
The above can be achieved by building (i) dams, (ii) Water harve
st system (iii) Ponds (iv) Watershed
 Flood Control: Canals, Weirs, dams etc.
 Moisture Conservation Practices
III. Tillage Operation:
IV. Mulching
V. Conservation tillage
VI. Crop rotation

18. FACTORS AFFECTING SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATIO
N
1) Topography:
2) Soil Characteristics:
3) Soil moisture:
4) Vegetation:
5) Human Behavior and animals: