Describe the role of contour vegetative barrier for in-situ water harvesting with the help of neat diagram ?
Effectiveness of in-situ water conservation through rainwater harvesting is a
function of an interaction between the climate, soil and plant properties. Biological
methods of water harvesting, such as vegetative barriers and agroforestry barriers,
are cost-effective. Conditions and design criteria for different in-situ rainwater
harvesting measures are discussed in the paper. In-situ water harvesting through
full moon terracing, coupled with moisture conservation through paddy straw
mulching has been found to be beneficial for litchi in uplands. Rainwater harvesting
in watershed and multi-tier horticulture model are also discussed.
Contour hedgerow technology as provides an option for sustainable farming on hill
slopes. The hedgerows (vegetative barrier) are established by planting of fastgrowing and deep rooting leguminous trees or shrubs such, as Leucaena
leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium, Erythrina sp. etc., along the contours on a hill
slope. Crops are planted between hedgerows. In alley cropping, food crops are
planted within the contour alignment hedgerows of fast growing trees. Trees are
pruned periodically to provide. mulch and green manure to maintain soil fertility
and minimize shading effects on crop. The alleys check the soil loss through cover
effect, reduce runoff, maintain soil organic matter and enhance soil moisture. The
hedgerows also help in progressive development of terraces through accumulation
of eroded soil on upslope of hedgerows. Vegetative barrier can also be established
on contour bunds to help stabilize bunds against rainstorms by stems and roots.
