Abstract: This chapter focuses on dryland agriculture in India because 83% or 107 Mha out of the total dryland agricultural area of 129 Mha in South Asia lies in India. It addresses soil physical management with emphasis on tillage methods, mulch farming, water conservation, erosion management, and soil carbon sequestration. The region is characterized by diverse climates, and soil and water resources. Food production in dryland agriculture depends on vagaries of monsoonal rains, whose failure is a perpetual threat to food security. Soil degradation is exacerbated by extractive/exploitative agricultural practices. The chapter aims to collate, synthesize, and identify biophysical constraints to enhancing production in dryland agriculture in South Asia. Technological evolution for sustainable management of the soil and water resources of the dryland region since 1930 has been impressive. The chapter also aims to identify recommended management practices for sustainable management of soil and water resources.
Publication Year: 2013
Publication Date: 2013-07-12
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 4
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