The report attempts to provide solutions to the twin problems of waterlogging and salinity in the irrigated command area through various drainage or traditional reclamation measures viz controlling the intensity of irrigation, providing drainage system, lining, improving natural drainage, preventing seepage or adopting modern technology for application of water.
Traditional approaches to address the problem of waterlogging are not only difficult, but expensive as well. Therefore, the method of bio-drainage, which is an agronomic solution that provides natural means of drainage for excess water of the area through trees and plants is ideal. The trees and plants used in this method like eucalyptus are capable of transpiring additional water analogous to water pumps. Furthermore, they can withdraw large amounts of salt and can control soil salinity. The method is sustainable, economically beneficial and ecologically safe.
The works carried out on bio-drainage in the canal command areas in Rajasthan are pretty encouraging. A lot of species of exotic plants are capable of surviving in adverse conditions of waterlogging and soil salinity. The high degree of evapotranspiration from the canopy crown makes them appropriate for combating the problem considerably.
Apart from this, the cost-effective plantation and high bio-mass production, utility in paper and pulp production, in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals are some of the additional benefits. The improvement in soil, water and environmental conditions in such areas can provide land for shelter and agriculture for human beings. Though, there are controversies regarding plantation of this exotic plant, the plant is appropriate for waterlogged areas.
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