Rainfed rice - IRRI books - International Rice Research Institute

Cover cropping
Leguminous crops are grown to cover the soil surface to prevent moisture
loss and to minimise soil erosion. Cover cropping also gives rainwater more
time to infiltrate the soil, surface. The roots and residues of the crops improve
the soil structure and make it more porous and more capable of absorbing
rainwater.
Inter-planting/cropping
This is growing two or more crops
simultaneously in the same field where
at least one crop is planted in rows,
e.g., mongo sown in between rows of
maize. This helps in soil and water
conservation and use.
Mixed cropping
This is growing two or more crops
simultaneously intermingled in the
same plot with no distinct row
arrangement. The advantages of mixed
cropping are better and continuous
land cover, rainwater conservation,
protection against soil erosion and the
assurance of one or more crops to the
farmer.
Addition of organic and green
manures
Organic and green manures help
improve the soil’s physical condition
and improve the infiltration rate and
soil structure.
Tillage practices
Tillage is the primary tool for soil and
water conservation. Tillage has several
effects on soil, such as aggregation,
surface sealing, sub-soiling, infiltration,
etc.
Mulch tillage
This is performed by making the soil
surface cloddy or mulched with the
help of crop residues. Mulch tillage is
an effective measure to conserve
rainwater.
Indigenous Rainwater Management
Inter-planting/cropping
To achieve the best results for soil
and water conservation by tillage:
till no more than required;
till only when moisture is within the
favourable limit; and
vary the depth of ploughing.
Mulching
Conserves soil moisture
Increases infiltration capacity
Reduces runoff
Checks weed growth
Improves soil temperature
Modifies the micro-environment of
soil
Protects soil and emerging crops
from cold
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