Course

Theory

Dryland/Rainfed agriculture: Introduction, types and characteristics; History of dryland/ rainfed agriculture in India; Problems and prospects of dryland/rainfed agriculture in India; Soil and climatic conditions prevalent in dry land/rainfed areas; Length of Growing Period (LGP) and Soil Moisture Availability (SMA) and its impact on crop and cropping system; Soil and water conservation techniques; Drought: types, effect of water deficit on physio- morphological characteristics of the plants; Crop adaptation and mitigation to drought; Water harvesting: importance, its techniques, Efficient utilization of water through soil and crop management practices; Crops and cropping systems in dryland/rainfed areas; Management of crops in dry land/rainfed areas; Contingent crop planning for aberrant weather conditions; Concept, history, objective, principles and components of watershed management, factors affecting watershed management. Log term rainfall analysis in relation to simple mathematical models and forecasting the weather abnormalities; Alternate land use system location; regional and crop specific dryland principles and practices for profitable and sustainable dryland farming and allied enterprises.

Practical

Studies on climate classification, studies on rainfall pattern in rainfed areas of the country and pattern of onset and withdrawal of monsoons. Calculation of Length of Growing Period (LGP) and Soil Moisture Availability (SMA) Studies on cropping pattern of different rainfed areas in the country and demarcation of rainfed area on map of India. Interpretation of meteorological data and scheduling of supplemental irrigation on the basis of evapo-transpiration demand of crops. Critical analysis of rainfall and possible drought period in the country. Effective rainfall and its calculation. Studies on cultural practices for mitigating moisture stress including mechanical and agronomic measure. Soil moisture determination under different land situations, Importance of seed priming to mitigate drought. Assessment of meteorological drought. Characterization and delineation of model watershed. Seed treatment, viz., seed hardening and seed priming techniques for all the agricultural crops Field demonstration on soil and moisture conservation measures. Field demonstration on construction of water harvesting structures. Visit to rainfed research station/watershed.

Course objectives

1. To learn about characteristics and conditions of dryland/rainfed agriculture.

2. To gain knowledge about drought and its mitigation.

3. To impart knowledge on water harvesting and watershed management.

Course outcomes

Any student who has undergone the course shall be able to:

Suggested Readings

1. Lenka D. 2006. Climate, Weather and Crops in India. Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi.

2. Mavi H S and Tupper Graeme J. 2005. Agrometeorology – Principles and applications of climate studies in agriculture. International Book Publishing Co., Lucknow.

3. Mavi H S. 1994. Introduction to Agrometeorology. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.

4. Nanjappa H V and Ramachandrappa B K. 2007. Manual on Practical Agricultural Meteorology. Agrobios India. Jodhpur.

5. Prasad Rao G S L H V. 2008. Agricultural Meteorology. Prentice Hall of India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.

6. Reddy S R. 1999. Principles of Agronomy. Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi.

7. Srivastava A K and Tyagi P K. 2011. Practical Agricultural Meteorology. New Delhi Publishing Agency, New Delhi.

8. Yellamanda Reddy T and Sankara Reddi G H. 2010. Principles of Agronomy. Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi.