Impact of Rainfall Conservation on Water Use in Paddy Fields

Abstract

The present study was focused On evaluating the impact of rainfall conservation on reduction in irrigation water applied and excess run-off as well as increase in deep percolation losses. The ultimate aim was to optimize the depth of rainfall storage in paddy fields to check the decline in water table under the Punjab situation. The study has revealed that increase in allowable rainfall storage depth from l0 cm to 15 cm results in saving of 6.32 cm of irrigation water applied. The run-off reduces by 9.65 cm. There was no significant impact on crop yield. The increase in allowable storage depth of rainfall from 15 cm to 20 cm was of no added advantage as regards the saving in irrigation water applied, reduction in surface runoff and increase in deep percolation. The decline in water-table can checked by adopting appropriate rainfall conservation measures, Since the studies are locations specific it will be desirable to carry out the similar studies under various soils and climatic conditions to develop the package of practices for rainfall conservation in paddy fields for adoption on large scale.