Moisture Conservation in Dryland
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1. Tillage
2. Fallowing
3. Mulching
4. In situ Moisture Conservation

• Contour bunding
• Broad Beds and Furrows (BBF)
• Compartmental Bunds
• Dead Furrows
• Scoops
• Subsurface Moisture Barrier

Mitigating Adverse Effect of Aberrant Weather

1. Late onset of Monsoon

• Transplanting
• Alternate Crops/ Varieties

2. Dry Spells During Crop Period

• Thinning
• Mulching
• Weed control
• Water harvesting and protective irrigation

3. Early Withdrawal of Monsoon

Under the circumstances of early withdrawal of monsoon before the normal cessation date, all the suggested measures to mitigate the adverse effect of prolonged dry spells during crop period are necessary to overcome the soil moisture stress due to early withdrawal of monsoon.

4. Extended Monsoon

Extended monsoon is seldom a problem in dryland agriculture. It benefits long duration kharif crops grown as intercropping system and also advantageous for rabi crops in Vertisols.