Importance of revegetation in soil conservation

Planting of forage grasses, legumes and fodder tree on various class of lands in appropriate situations and also by adopting efficient farming and techniques the conservation efforts became more effective. These plant species besides stabilizing various physical structure improve soil conditions and produce food or food for the farmers. A range of forest species, forage species, fodder shrubs and trees and fruit trees have been introduced in the revegetation programme. While selecting these species, multipurpose value of the species is considered to meet the varying requirements of the community for food, fuel, fodder, timber etc in addition to their value in soil conservation. A large quantity of seeds are required which are locally collected if available or imported in the beginning and then they are locally multiplied. Locally available plant species are always given preference over the imported species. Forest nurseries and forage seed multiplication centres have been established under different agroclimatic conditions for plant multiplication. Unlike physical conservation measures biological measures depend on agroclimatic conditions and therefore results vary, from year to year. However, selection of suitable species proper raising of seedlings or seeds and proper planting in the field has improved the results to a large extent. On cultivated lands, contour cultivation, suitable cropping systems, and maintaining plant cover during the most erosive rains are important factors controlling erosion. Other structures such as gullies, waterways, river and stream banks, catchment areas around ponds, reservoirs, roadsides, industrial sites etc needs to be provided with a desired plant cover. Still better results can be expected by improving the techniques and human efficiency. It is necessary that every one concerned with the land use should be made aware of their responsibility through mass media and training people