Is it that zero till rice-wheat system leads to reduced mining of ground water and soil profile remains dry in zero till system due to reduced intake of water?
Respected Sir
Rk Naresh
Yes, the zero till rice-wheat system can lead to reduced groundwater extraction and keep the soil profile drier. In a zero till system, crops are sown without plowing the land, which helps maintain soil structure and moisture. This practice reduces water evaporation from the soil surface and increases water infiltration efficiency, leading to decreased reliance on groundwater for irrigation. Consequently, less water is drawn from the ground, preserving groundwater levels. Additionally, because the soil is not disturbed, it retains moisture more effectively, contributing to a drier soil profile compared to conventional tillage systems where more water is typically used and lost through evaporation and runoff.
No, a zero-till RW (Rice-Wheat) system actually has the potential to improve water conservation and soil moisture. Here's why:
- Reduced evaporation: Tilling exposes more soil to the sun and air, which increases evaporation from the soil surface. In a zero-till system, the residue from the previous crop acts as a mulch, covering the soil and reducing evaporation.
- Improved water infiltration: Tilling can compact the soil, making it harder for water to infiltrate. Zero-till practices can improve soil structure, allowing water to soak in more readily and become available to plants.
- Enhanced soil health: With minimal disturbance, organic matter accumulates in the soil, which helps it retain moisture more effectively.
There might be some initial concerns about reduced water intake in a zero-till system, but this is usually due to the presence of crop residue on the surface. This residue can slow down the initial infiltration rate of water during heavy rainfall events. However, over time, the benefits of improved soil health outweigh this initial drawback.
Here are some resources for further reading:
- Conservation Agriculture: A System for Sustainable Food Production [PDF]: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/56486/conservation-agriculture-for-sustainable-food-production-systems
- Evolution and Acceleration of No-till Farming in Rice-Wheat Cropping System of the Indo-Gangetic Plains [PDF]: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2022.832600
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