Management alternatives for increased productivity of red soils: experience in Karnataka
1987
Hegde, B.R. | Channappa, T.C. | Anandaram, B.K.
Red soils in Karnataka occupy more than 50% of the cultivated area. They are characterized by low moisture retention, low cation exchange capacity and phosphorus content, but a high rate of infiltration. High soil erosion and crust formation limit crop production. Cropping is most common in the rainy season, especially on shallow soils. Contour bunds for low-rainfall areas, and graded bunds for medium-deep soils with seasonal rainfall more than 700 mm, are recommended; deep red soils are suitable for border-strip layout. Off-season tillage has been found to increase infiltration and to improve crop yields. No interterrace treatments, e.g., broadbeds and f1133urrows or a furrow every 3 m, increased either the moisture status or the crop yields significantly. Beds and furrows were used mainly as disposal systems, whereas a ridge-and-furrow system, adopted for maize, reduced runoff losses. Nevertheless, the use of furrows in changing the direction of flow along a less erosive gradient is beneficial in controlling erosion in an interbunded area. Extension of land management practices to farm situations is complicated by the fact that holdings are small. Developing waterways as community works, and restricting other developmental activities to existing holdings, are suggested as alternatives to current soil-conservation eff
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