Performance evaluation of some soil and water conservation measures in hot arid zone of India

摘要

A study was conducted during 1993-2004 to assess the performance of some soil and water conservation measures adopted in Jhanwar watershed located in hot arid zone of India. The watershed comprises of total area of 4600 ha, out of which 1290 ha was treated on priority basis in the first phase (1987-1992) of the project with different soil and water conservation measures in addition to other developmental activities. The major soil and water conservation measures included were loose stone check dams,brush wood check dams in gullies, anicuts on major drains, earthen checks on sloppy land, farm ponds for rainwater harvesting and recycling. These measures were monitored during 1993-2004 for their performance. Results indicated that soil and water conservation measures resulted in increase of groundwater level by 0.33 to 0.75 m year~(-1), increase in population of various tree species by 22 to 413%, productivity of different crops by 30-40%, enhancement in employment generation by 115 to 268%. The soilerosion was reduced from an average of 21 ha~(-1) yr~(-1) in 1987 to 0.15 t ha~(-1) yr~(-1) in 2000. Enhancement in availability of surface water through farm ponds by 1990 m~3 year~(-1)