Closed sub-surface drainage to ameliorate waterlogging and salinity in a canal command area

Abstract

Reclamation of saline, saline-alkali and waterlogged soils formed due to the intrusion of flood waters can effectively be done by the closed sub-surface drainage (CSSD) technology. The CSSD technology is appropriate under the salinity and water logging conditions to leach out the excess and harmful salts with excess water from the root zone to provide a better environment to the plants to grow. In south Gujarat, CSSD technology was installed in Patel’s farm situated at Virpor and Ghala village, Taluka Choriyasi, District Surat of Gujarat in the command of Surat branch under Ukai Kakrapar (UKC) irrigation project. With successful operation of the system installed during 2012-13 at farmers filed, the water logging problem has reduced and average water table has been lowered from 36.5 to 50.0 cm. The soil salinity has been reduced from 6.7 to 3.5 Ds/m. The sugarcane yield has increased from 58 to 96 t/ha i.e. 65.5 % higher than areas not adopting CSSD technology. The farmers are happy and express the satisfaction over the performance of dual purpose subsurface cum irrigation system.