Agronomy in Soil Conservation-A Plea for Co-ordinated Research and Extension Programme

Abstract

With the passage of tirne, soil surtacc is undergoing a change, at sotne places irnperceptibly or very slowly, and at others drastically, depending upon the natutv of soil, surface level, vegetation, rainfall, wind velocity, etc. In the level irrigated lands of the plains, the process of erosion is hardly visible, but in the 1üQttn- tainous and sub-mountainous areas and sandy desert regions, the changes are drastic. Anyone, intimately familiar with a locality for a period of over 3 to 4 decades, M'ill easily notice the change. The muddy waters of the numerous streams and rivers, the growing size and number of gullies, disappearance of vegetation from some tracts, sand storms and shifting dunes are all indications of the change. The loss of soil by erosion at some places is really colossal. The soil is nation's most valuable asset. For sustained production, it must be pre- served. Our needs of food and fibre for the growing population can only be satisfied indefinitely, if the soil is saved from des- truction by erosion, through wise application of our knowledge about use of land and suit- able agronomic and mechanical practices in different regions, on an extensive scale.