The following strategies can be adopted for conservation of water.
(i) Decreasing run-off losses:
Huge water-loss occurs due to runoff on most of the soils, which can be reduced by
allowing most of the water to infiltrate into the soil.
This can be achieved by using
(i) contour cultivation,
(ii) terrace farming,
(iii) water spreading,
(iv) chemical treatment or improved water-storage system.
(i) Contour cultivation on small furrows and ridges across the slopes trap rainwater and allow
more time for infiltration.
Terracing constructed on deep soils have large water-storage capacity.
On gentle slopes trapped run off is spread over a large area for better infiltration.
Conservation-bench terracing involves construction of a series of benches for catching the
run off water.
Water spreading is done by channeling or lagoon-levelling. In channeling, the water-flow is
controlled by a series of diversions with vertical intervals. In lagoon leveling, small
depressions are dug in the area so that there is temporary storage of water.
Chemical wetting agents (Surfactants) increase the water intake rates when added to
normal irrigated soils.
Surface crop residues, Tillage, mulch, animal residues etc. help in reducing run-off by
allowing more time for water to penetrate into the land.
Chemical conditioners like gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) when applied to sodic soils improve soil
permeability and reduce run off. Another useful conditioner is HPAN (hydrolysed
polyacrylonitrile)
Water-storage structures like farm ponds, dug-outs etc. Built by individual farmers can be
useful measures for conserving water through reduction of runoff.
(ii) Reducing evaporation losses: This is more relevant in humid regions. Horizontal barriers
of asphalt placed below the soil surface increase water availability and increase crop yield by
35-40%. This is more effective on sandy soil but less effective on loamy sand soils.
A co-polymer of starch and acrylonitrile called ‘ super slurper’ has been reported to absorb
water upto 1400 times its weight. The chemical has been found to be useful for sandy soils.
(iii) Storing water in soil: Storage of water takes place in the soil root zone in humid regions
when the soil is wetted to field capacity. By leaving the soil fallow for one season water can
be made available for the crop grown in next season.
(iv) Reducing irrigation losses
l Use of lined or covered canals to reduce seepage.
l Irrigation in early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation losses.
l Sprinkling irrigation and drip irrigation to conserve water by 30-50%.
l Growing hybrid crop varieties with less water requirements and tolerance to saline water
help conserve water.
(v) Re-use of water
l Treated wastewater can be used for ferti-irrigation.
l Using grey water from washings, bath-tubs etc. for watering gardens, washing cars or paths
help in saving fresh water.
(vi) Preventing wastage of water: This can be done in households, commercial buildings and
public places.
l Closing taps when not in use
l Repairing any leakage from pipes
l Using small capacity flush in toilets.
(vii)Increasing block pricing: The consumer has to pay a proportionately higher bill with
higher use of water. This helps in economic use of water by the consumers.
