Discuss water management in organic farming.
Scarcity of water for agriculture is a common phenomenon in many countries. In some regions it is almost impossible to grow crops without irrigation. Even in areas with large amounts of rainfall in the rainy season, crops may get short of water during dry periods.
Organic farming aims at optimising the use of on-farm resources and at a sustainable use of natural resources. Active water retention, water harvesting and storing of water are important practices, especially for organic farmers. Organic farmers know that it is more important to first improve the water retention and the infiltration of water into the soil.
Keep soil moisture: During dry periods, some soils are more and some are less in a position to supply crops with water. The ability of a soil to absorb and store water largely depends on the soil composition and on the content of organic matter. Soils rich in clay can store up to three times more water than sandy soils. Soil organic matter acts as storage of water, just like a sponge. Therefore, crop residue or a cover crop protects the soil, prevents crusting on the surface, and slows runoff. Roots, earthworms and other soil life maintain cracks and pores in the soil. Less water runs off, and more sinks into the soil.
Reduce evaporation: A thin layer of mulch can considerably reduce the evaporation of water from the soil. It shades the soil from direct sunlight and prevents the soil from getting too warm. Shallow digging of the dry top soil can help to reduce the drying up of the soil layers beneath (it breaks the capillary vessels). A better retention of water within the soil saves costs on irrigation.
Better use of season’s rainfall: Ripping during the dry season allows farmers to plant earlier – right at the start of the rains.
Attention: A green manure or cover crop is not always a suitable way of reducing evaporation from the soil, due that they also use water. In dry areas, you should consider using other types of mulch, such as crop residues or plant remains brought in from outside the field. That will help conserve moisture in the soil where it can be used by the crop.
Harvesting water
a) Increasing infiltration
During strong rains, only a part of the water infiltrates into
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