A modified contour bunding system for Alfisols of the semi-arid tropics
1989
Pathak, P | Laryea, K B | Singh, Sardar
Contour bunding is the most widely practised soil conservation measure on Alfisols of the semiarid tropics in India. The conventional contour bund system allows water to stagnate for long periods in extensive areas along the bunds that affects crop yields in these areas. Crop yields from sorghum/pigeon pea intercrop and pearl millet/pigeon pea intercrop at different distances from the bunds were measured to demonstrate the effects of bunding. The effects of eroded sediment deposition on the infiltration behavior of the zone near the bunds are also discussed. A modified contour bunding system with gated outlets is described. Contour bunds with gated outlets were found to ensure adequate control of runoff and soil loss. Crops grown in the fields bunded by gated outlets yielded better than those grown in fields surrounded by conventional bunds. The water balance of the ponded areas near the bunds is presented for both the modified and conventional contour bunding systems
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