Hello experts,
First of all, a hearty thanks for the great service you are offering to one and all through this site.
Now my question - I am planning to buy a piece of land of about 40 acres in the subtropical area of Mahabubnagar district of Andhra Pradesh, to develop it into a horticulture farm and would like to know from the experts on the suitability. Here are some vital statistics:
- Soil type: Red sandy loam
- Slope: Relatively flat
- Rainfall/year: Normal: 625 mm; Average: 550 mm; 80% is from SW monsoon
- Rain variation range: -31% to -6% (on 625 mm)
- There are hills in the vicinity from which small gulleys pass from near the piece of land in discussion. I assume they will have water flow during the rains.
I am willing to develop the land in terms of creating percolation tanks, I shall use drip irrigation, wish to go for orchards and vegetables, and can engage a geologist for water potential/bore well points if the land is otherwise suitable. My questions:
- Does vicinity of rocky hills indicate a likelihood of good ground water?
- Is it recommended to divert the water flow in the small gulleys into percolation ponds? Is filtration for silt on such large scale really possible?
- Would such rainwater harvesting from the hills normally cause salinity?
- With the above levels of rainfall, can long term crops be supported?
- What is the level of confidence that percolation tanks built scientifically will make available ground water round the year (i.e., is rainwater harvesting a sure shot method)? Would this be possible even if there is low rainfall for several years in a row?
What is the best way to go ahead? I really appreciate any advice.
Many thanks.