🌾 Dryland Agriculture
Agronomy, Water Conservation & Crop Management Notes
Introduction & Classification
Core Profile & Definition
| Definition | Crop production under areas receiving limited rainfall without assured irrigation |
| Annual Rainfall | Less than 750 mm (Dry Farming) |
| Irrigation | Mostly rainfed |
| Main Objective | Efficient use and conservation of rainwater |
Types of Agriculture
| Type | Annual Rainfall | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Farming | < 750 mm | Frequent drought, moisture conservation essential |
| Dryland Farming | 750–1150 mm | Moisture stress occurs during crop season |
| Rainfed Farming | > 1150 mm | Rainfall generally adequate; drainage may be needed |
General Characteristics
| Rainfall | Low and erratic |
| Irrigation | Limited or absent |
| Soil Moisture | Major limiting factor |
| Cropping Intensity | Low |
| Crop Failure | High risk due to drought |
Objectives, Crops & Soils
Key Objectives
| Moisture Conservation | Improve water availability |
| Soil Conservation | Reduce erosion |
| Stable Yield | Minimize crop failure |
| Water Use Efficiency | Maximize crop production per unit of water |
Major Dryland Crops
| Cereals | Sorghum, Pearl millet, Finger millet |
| Pulses | Pigeonpea, Chickpea, Mung bean, Cowpea |
| Oilseeds | Groundnut, Sesame, Mustard, Safflower |
| Fibre Crops | Cotton |
| Fodder Crops | Sorghum, Bajra |
Suitable Soil Types
| Black Soil | High moisture-holding capacity |
| Red Soil | Well-drained |
| Sandy Loam | Suitable with moisture conservation |
| Loam | Good crop growth |
Moisture Conservation & Water Harvesting
Moisture Conservation Practices
| Mulching ⭐⭐⭐ | Reduces evaporation |
| Contour Farming | Controls runoff |
| Ridge & Furrow | Conserves moisture |
| Compartment Bunding | Increases infiltration |
| Deep Ploughing | Improves water storage |
| Conservation Tillage | Reduces moisture loss |
Water Harvesting Methods
| Farm Pond | Store rainwater |
| Check Dam | Recharge groundwater |
| Percolation Tank | Increase infiltration |
| Contour Bund | Reduce runoff |
| Terracing | Prevent soil erosion |
Cropping Systems & Implements
Cropping Systems
| Mixed Cropping | Sorghum + Pigeonpea |
| Intercropping ⭐⭐⭐ | Pearl millet + Pigeonpea |
| Crop Rotation | Sorghum → Chickpea |
| Relay Cropping | Sequential use of residual moisture |
Drought Management Strategies
| Drought-Tolerant Varieties | Stable yield |
| Timely Sowing | Better moisture utilization |
| Mulching | Conserves soil moisture |
| Weed Control | Reduces water loss |
| Life-saving Irrigation | Prevents crop failure |
Weed Management Methods
| Hand Weeding | Common practice |
| Hoeing | Conserves moisture |
| Mulching | Suppresses weeds |
| Chemical Herbicide | Pendimethalin (Pre-emergence) |
Dryland Agricultural Implements
| Implement | Primary Use |
|---|---|
| Seed-cum-Fertilizer Drill | Sowing and fertilizer placement |
| Ridge Former | Ridge making |
| Bund Former | Bund construction |
| Blade Harrow | Weed control |
| Chisel Plough | Break hard pan |
Watershed & Systems Overview
Watershed Management Components
| Soil Conservation | Reduce erosion |
| Water Conservation | Increase water availability |
| Afforestation | Improve vegetation cover |
| Pasture Development | Reduce runoff |
| Rainwater Harvesting | Recharge groundwater |
Key Advantages
| Low Irrigation Need | Saves water |
| Rainwater Utilization | Efficient water use |
| Sustainable Farming | Conserves natural resources |
| Reduced Soil Erosion | Improves soil health |
Major Limitations
| Erratic Rainfall | Crop failure |
| Low Soil Fertility | Reduced yield |
| Moisture Stress | Poor crop growth |
| High Production Risk | Uncertain income |
Research Institutes & Summary
Important Research Institutes
| Institute | Location |
|---|---|
| ICAR-CRIDA ⭐⭐⭐ | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| ICAR-IIMR | Hyderabad |
| ICAR-IISWC | Dehradun |
⭐ Most Important Facts for Exams
• Dry Farming: < 750 mm | Dryland Farming: 750–1150 mm | Rainfed Farming: > 1150 mm
• Best Moisture Conservation Practice: Mulching
• Best Cropping System: Intercropping
• Major Dryland Crop: Sorghum | Pulse: Pigeonpea | Oilseed: Groundnut
• Apex Institute: ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad
• Main Objective: Efficient utilization and conservation of rainfall.
Exam One-Liners & PYQs
Q: Where is CRIDA located?
Ans: Hyderabad, Telangana
Q: What is the rainfall limit for Dry Farming?
Ans: Less than 750 mm
Q: What is the rainfall range for Dryland Farming?
Ans: 750–1150 mm
Q: What is the rainfall limit for Rainfed Farming?
Ans: More than 1150 mm
Q: What is the best moisture conservation practice in dryland agriculture?
Ans: Mulching
Q: What is the most suitable cropping system for dryland areas?
Ans: Intercropping
Q: Which is the major cereal crop grown under dryland agriculture?
Ans: Sorghum
Q: Which pulse crop is widely grown in dryland condition?
Ans: Pigeonpea
Q: Which oilseed crop is predominant in dryland agriculture?
Ans: Groundnut
Q: What is the best water harvesting structure for dryland farms?
Ans: Farm pond
Q: Which soil type is best for moisture conservation in dry farming?
Ans: Black soil
Q: What is the primary objective of dryland agriculture?
Ans: Efficient use and conservation of rainfall
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