Land And Water Conservation Engineering PDF

An Introduction: Land and Water Conservation Engineering Prepared by: B.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Content Lesson 1: Introduction Lesson 2: Introduction to Watershed Lesson 3: Introduc...

An Introduction: Land and Water Conservation Engineering Prepared by: B.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Content Lesson 1: Introduction Lesson 2: Introduction to Watershed Lesson 3: Introduction to Soil Erosion Lesson 4: Introduction to Erosion Control ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Land and Water Conservation Engineering the application of engineering and biological principles to the solution of soil and water management problems. Sustainability Conservation Preservation ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Sustainability is the ability to sustain something, or to meet the current needs of humans without compromising the ability of future generations to achieve their own. Includes improvement of soil quality. Conservation is preserving our biological and ecological resources while using them responsibly and efficiently. Focused on preserving what is present. Preservation is protecting the environment from harmful human activities without using or altering it. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim  An Introduction: Land and Water Conservation Engineering Lesson 02: Introduction to Watersheds Prepared by: B.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Fresh water, is a scarce resource, comprising only 2.75% of the world’s total water resources. Of this 2.75%, 2.05% is frozen in glaciers 0.68% in groundwater surface water (0.02%). ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim  2,400 mm/year 965 – 4064 mm/year ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim When supply is lower than demand it is caused by: 1. Population growth and economic development. “Water stress” 2. Climate change 3. Groundwater over-abstraction/extraction (contamination, subsidence) 4. Pollution 5. Forest denudation 6. Institutional/legal water resource management framework ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Projected water stress by 2040 ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim In 2016, the Philippines ranked 33rd out of 48 countries, scoring poorly across all key dimensions of water security. On a scale of 1-5, where 5 represents the highest level of water security, the Philippines only garnered a rating of 2. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Watershed and Watershed Management ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Watershed is the total land area that contributes to the flow of a particular water body and drains to a common outlet. is the divide between two areas drained by different river systems. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim A watershed may be: with or without inhabitants with or without trees and other vegetations with or without wildlife sloping or relatively flat with a continuous or intermittent river creek. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Classification according to areal extent: River basin over 1000 km2 Large Watershed 500 – 1000 km2 Medium Watershed 100 – 1000 km2 Small Watershed 10 – 100 km2 Micro Watershed under 10 km2 ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Watershed and Catchment – are essentially the same Basin (often river basin) is most often used to describe a region drained by a larger river system, implying a very large watershed or catchment. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Watershed divide ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim  Sub-basin / sub-watersheds is a part of a larger watershed or drainage basin. It’s essentially a smaller watershed within a larger one. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Watershed Management is defined as the process of guiding and organizing land and other resources uses in a watershed to provide desired goods and services without adversely affecting soil and water resources ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Watershed Management Strategy: POLICY PREVENTION CORRECTION ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Benefits of Watershed Management: Economic Benefits: Water supply, forestry, agriculture, livestock, fishery, mining Social Services: Tourism , recreation, historical, cultural, health Environmental Services: Biodiversity, soil & water conservation, etc. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim SOIL EROSION is the detachment and transport of soil particles by natural (i.e. water and wind) or anthropogenic (man-induced or man-related) causes Soil erosion results in loss of fertility of soil because it is the topsoil layer which is fertile. - It’s important to conserve soil as it takes hundreds of years for its formation and in just a few minutes its washed away by water or blown by wind ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Soil Erodibility the susceptibility of the soil to be eroded Rainfall Erosivity the capacity of rainfall to cause erosion Eroding agents rainfall/raindrop, runoff, wind ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Forms and Classification of Erosion A. Based on nature of occurrence 1. Natural or geologic erosion 2. Man-made or accelerated erosion B. Based on relative place of occurrence 1. Surface erosion 2. Subsurface erosion C. Based on eroding agent 1. Water erosion (rainfall erosion, runoff erosion) 2. Wind erosion ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Forms and Classification of Erosion Based on sequential occurrence 1. Sheet erosion is the uniform removal of soil in thin layers from sloping land, resulting from sheet or overland flow 2. Splash erosion the removal of soil particles due to rainfall or kinetic energy of falling water 3. Interill erosion - is splash and sheet erosion combined ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Forms and Classification of Erosion 4. Rill erosion is the detachment of soil by a concentrated flow of water 5. Gully erosion produces channels larger than rills, called gullies, and which cannot be obliterated by normal tillage 6. Streambank erosion - consists of soil removal from stream banks or soil movement in channel ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim  Rill Erosion ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Classification of Gully: A. Based on size Description Gully Depth (m) Drainage Area (ha) Small ≤1 ≤2 Medium 1–5 2 – 20 Large >5 > 20 ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Classification of Gully: B. Based on Channel Slope 'U'-shaped gullies is associated with dispersive subsoils ‘V’-shaped gullies are formed in soils which have a high level of aggregate stability ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Classification of Gully: C. Based on Morphology ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim MECHANICS OF SOIL EROSION Factors Affecting the Detachment and Transport of Soil Particles by RAINDROPS: A. Climatic Factors: 1. Rainfall Characteristics: 2. Wind Characteristics: Drop size and size distribution Velocity intensity Gustiness duration terminal velocity ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Rainfall Kinetic Energy Formulae: 1. E = 0.119 + 0.0873(log I) MJ/ha-mm where: I = mm/hr 2. E = 210.3 + 89(log I) MT/ha-cm where: I = cm/hr 3. E = 916 + 331(log I) ft-tons/acre-in where: I = in/hr E – rainfall kinetic energy, I – rainfall intensity ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim B. Soil Characteristics 1. Texture 2. Structure 3. Organic matter content (higher OM, lower soil erosion) 4. Soil moisture content 5. Compactness (porosity) C. Topography (slope gradient, slope length) D. Vegetation and Plant Cover ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim MECHANICS OF SOIL EROSION Factors Affecting the Detachment and Transport of Soil Particles by RUNOFF: (runoff/scour erosion) A. Soil Characteristics: B. Topography (slope gradient & length) C. Vegetation 1. Texture increase infiltration = less runoff 2. Structure increase surface roughness 3. Initial moisture content D. Conservation Practices 4. Organic matter E. Conservation Practices F. Presence of depression, water ponds, dams and detention structure G. Channel geometry ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim METHODS OF EROSION MEASUREMENT ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim 1. Soil Erosion Plots standard conditions: bare fallow 9% slope 72.6 ft. length 22.1 m ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim  2. Rainfall simulator A – soil sample B – revolving sprinkler head C – two rows of jar. percolated water, and surface runoff D – well managed grassland ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim 3. Watershed/Catchment-based Involves a comprehensive analysis of the watershed’s characteristics to assess its vulnerability to soil erosion Morphometric Analysis: quantitative evaluation of the watershed’s geometry, including its relief, linear, and areal features. Hypsometric Analysis: This is used to determine the importance of the sub-watersheds by computing hypsometric integral (HI) values using the elevation–relief ratio method. Use of Geospatial Techniques: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques are often used in this method to make accurate and efficient decisions. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim 4. Empirical Equations and Prediction Model 1.USLE 2.RUSLE 3.MUSLE 4.WEPP Model ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) Developed by Wischmeier in 1962 from a database of more than 8,000 plot-years of record in the United States. These were subjected to statistical analysis and the resulting regression equation is used. Validity depends on how close the conditions to which it is being applied from which it was developed. Overland flow contribution to sheet erosion is small areas with low to moderate intensity rainfall Most widely used equation used in sheet erosion estimation ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) E=R*K*L*S*C*P Where: E – annual soil erosion rate R – rainfall and runoff erosivity factor K – soil erodibility factor L – slope length factor S – slope gradient factor C – cover and crop management factor P – supporting practices factor ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Rainfall and Runoff erosivity factor (R) ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Soil erodibility factor (K) Schwab et al, 1981 This factor represents the ease with which a soil can be eroded and is influenced by the soil texture, organic matter content, soil structural strength and permeability. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Cover and Crop management factor (C) This factor is the ratio of erosion under a specified cover and management to the amount of erosion under a continuous bare fallow. It considers the type and density of vegetative cover on the soil as well as all related management practices. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Supporting Practices Factor, P This factor recognizes the influence of conservation practices, such as contour planting, strip cropping, terracing and combinations. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) Developed for a small agricultural watershed, where the extent of erosion is from sheet to rill erosion, but we cannot exactly tell whether it considers gully erosion or not. The LS factor were combined and estimated by an empirical equation based on slope gradient. E = R * K * LS * C * P Where: E – annual soil erosion rate LS – slope length and gradient factor R – rainfall and runoff erosivity factor C – cover and crop management factor K – soil erodibility factor P – supporting practices factor ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation E = R * K * LS * C * P Where: E – annual soil erosion rate R – rainfall and runoff erosivity factor K – soil erodibility factor LS – combined slope length and gradient factor C – cover and crop management factor P – supporting practices factor ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Rainfall and Runoff erosivity factor (R) ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Soil erodibility factor (K) ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Slope Length and Steepness Factor (LS) ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) Improved version of USLE for predicting sheet and rill erosion A = R * K * LS * C * P Where: A – predicted annual soil loss (t/acre/yr) S – slope steepness factor R – rainfall and runoff erosivity factor C – cover management factor K – soil erodibility factor P – supporting practices factor L – slope length factor ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim RUSLE Strength RUSLE Limitations 1. Simple in structure and hence 1. Incapable of predicting deposition, relatively easier and more appealing sediment yield, channel erosion or to use. gully erosion. 2. Incapable of generating soil loss 2. A large database has been estimates for shorter time steps like developed and parameter values are daily values. readily available for many regions of 3. In provides inaccurate soil loss the U.S. estimates for a single storm event. 4. Recent process-based experimental 3. Adaptable to non-uniform areas research results could hardly be where deposition does not occur. incorporated in this model. 5. Applicability is limited to the 4. Poses less problem with computer estimation of soil loss resources such as storage media, memory and ABE execution times 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim The WEPP Model (Water Erosion Prediction Project) The WEPP model is a process-based, distributed parameter, continuous computer simulation model designed for predicting water-induced soil erosion either on a hillslope or watershed scale It is based on the fundamental principles of stochastic weather generation, infiltration theory, hydrology, soil physics, plant science, hydraulics and mechanics of soil erosion and sediment transport. The latest WEPP Model is 2012.8 ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim WEPP Model Strengths: 1. More powerful and has a wider spectrum of applications than empirical erosion models. 2. Can provide estimates of sediment detachment and deposition. 3. Capable of simulating processes on a daily basis thereby producing information that can meet various needs. 4. Can deal with both spatial and temporal variability of the factors affecting the processes it simulates. 5. Can be used to fit process-based experimental data; hence, many of the recent process-based erosion research can be incorporated in this model. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim WEPP Model Limitations: 1. Relatively more difficult to use than simple empirical models like USLE or RUSLE. 2. Extensive and full scale plot experiments are required to generate data needed to validate the WEPP model. 3. More computer resources including storage media, memory and time to run would likewise be required. 4. Its complexity makes it less appealing to many users particularly those requiring immediate soil loss estimates. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim  Erosion Control Techniques ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Natural and Vegetative Technologies 1. Contouring 2. Strip cropping 3. Mulching 4. Hedgerows 5. Crop rotation 6. Zero tillage or Dibble Planting 7. Cover crop 8. Combination of 2 or more ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim CONTOUR FARMING Contour farming is a farming practice that involves plowing and planting crops across the contour lines of a sloping field rather than up and down the slope. This technique helps reduce soil erosion by slowing down the flow of water and allowing it to infiltrate into the soil. By following the natural contours of the land, contour farming helps to prevent the formation of straight-line water channels that can carry away topsoil during heavy rainfall or irrigation. This method is most effective on slopes between two (2) and ten (10) percent. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim CONTOUR FARMING PROCESS 1. Determine the slope of the land 2. Determine the contour lines 3. Marking the contour lines 4. Making furrows 5. Planting crops 6. Maintenance of field ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim CONTOUR FARMING PROCESS 1. Determine the slope of the land Slope = 𝑅𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑥 100% 𝑅𝑢𝑛 ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim CONTOUR FARMING PROCESS 1. Determine the slope of the land 2. Determine the contour lines A-Frame Level ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim CONTOUR FARMING PROCESS 1. Determine the slope of the land 2. Determine the contour lines 3. Marking the contour lines ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim CONTOUR FARMING PROCESS 1. Determine the slope of the land 2. Determine the contour lines 3. Marking the contour lines 4. Making furrows Contour ridges – ensure water stays within furrows ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim CONTOUR FARMING PROCESS 1. Determine the slope of the land 2. Determine the contour lines 3. Marking the contour lines 4. Making furrows 5. Planting crops ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim CONTOUR FARMING PROCESS 1. Determine the slope of the land 2. Determine the contour lines 3. Marking the contour lines 4. Making furrows 5. Planting crops 6. Maintenance of field ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim STRIP CROPPING Strip cropping suggests planting several cultures in strips alternated in crop rotation. It is a regular practice on sloped lands to control soil erosion. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Types of Strip Cropping 1. Contour Strip Cropping Crop bands are aligned according to the relief contour. The practice is particularly efficient on slopes. Compared with up and down rows, planting along the contour simplifies machinery movement and field operations. It also protects soil from rill formation and sedimentation by slowing runoffs down. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Types of Strip Cropping 2. Field Strip Cropping Crop bands are arranged in parallel lines across the field without following the contours. This method is suitable either for flat areas or gentle slopes, and it is used if the soil is not too prone to erosion. Field strip farming is also a solution when the previous practice is not feasible or rational due to relief specifics (e.g., irregular or wavy lands). ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Types of Strip Cropping 3. Buffer Strip Cropping Buffer planting is implemented on steep hilly slopes where typical contouring is complicated. Buffers (e.g., bushes, grasses, or legumes) grow between contour bands alternatively and can be either permanent (often native vegetation) or temporary. They are not necessarily of the same width and distance, which depends on the relief specifics. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim MULCHING It is the act of covering the soil with mulches, such as bark, wood chips, leaves, and other organic or inorganic material, in order to preserve moisture and improve the condition of the soil. Benefits of Mulch 1. Moisture Retention 2. Weed Control 3. Temperature Regulation 4. Soil Health ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim TYPES OF MULCH 1. Organic Mulch This includes compost, straw, grass clippings, shredded bark, and wood chips. Organic mulch improves the soil as it decomposes. 2. Inorganic Mulch This includes stones, gravel, and landscape fabric. Inorganic mulch doesn’t break down and improve the soil, but it’s very durable. 3. Rubber Mulch Made from recycled tires, rubber mulch is often used in playgrounds and paths for its durability and shock absorption. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim HEDGEROWS A hedgerow is a line of closely spaced shrubs or trees that form the boundary of an area, such as between fields or along roads Role of Hedgerow: 1. Erosion control 2. Nutrient cycling (legumes) 3. Soil health ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim CROP ROTATION Crop rotation is the practice of planting different crops sequentially on the same plot of land. This farming technique dates as far back as the Roman Empire or Ancient Greece. Role of Hedgerow: 1. Erosion control 2. Nutrient cycling (legumes) 3. Soil Fertility 4. Pest Control ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ZERO TILLAGE Zero tillage, also known as no-till farming or direct drilling, is a farming practice where the crop is sown directly into soil that has not been tilled since the harvest of the previous crop. This method reduces the need for traditional soil tillage, which is often associated with negative impacts such as soil erosion and nutrient runoff Dibble planting Benefits: 1. Less soil erosion involves using a tool called a dibble 2. Less soil compaction or dibbler to make small, uniform 3. Lower costs holes in the soil for the purpose of 4. Improved soil health planting ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL seedsENGINEERING AND BIOSYSTEMS and bulbs. Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Engineering and Mechanical Methods 1. Terracing 2. Runoff Storage or Detention Structure 3. Protected Waterways 4. Diversion Channels 5. Geotextiles ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Terracing Terraces reduce both the amount and velocity of water moving across the soil surface, which greatly reduces soil erosion. It permits more intensive cropping than would otherwise be possible ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Functions and purpose of Terracing a. To reduce soil erosion b. For water conservation c. For flood control – decrease the volume of runoff d. For farmability/tillability of slopelands Types of Terraccing: 1. Bench terrace 2. Forward-sloped terrace 3. Reverse-sloped terrace 4. Irrigation/basin terrace 5. Eyebrow or Orchard terrace ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim  Bench terrace (level) is ideal on sloping land ( 6 to 33% ) ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim  Irrigation/basin terrace ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Bunding (a) Contour bunds: It is adopted in all types of permeable land. It is suitable in agricultural land where the slope is around 6% and in areas where average annual rainfall is (b) Graded bunds: Used when the average annual precipitation is >600 mm. It reduces the length of the slope and, as a result, reduces erosion. The assessment must be within the non-erosive limit. It is not recommended when the rating is ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim less than 2% or more than 8%. Grassed waterway They are natural or artificial watercourses, covered with erosion-resistant grasses and used to divert surface water from agricultural land ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Geotextile Geotextiles are permeable fabrics which, when used in association with soil, have the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect, or drain. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Check dam It is a small barrier made of stones, sandbags, etc. which reduces the velocity of flow and thus reduces erosion. They may be permanent or temporary ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Retaining walls Retaining walls are relatively rigid walls used for supporting soil laterally so that it can be retained at different levels on the two sides. Retaining walls are structures designed to restrain soil ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim  These walls depends only on their self-weight to withstand lateral earth pressure. Typically, these retaining walls is essential for the massive gravitational load required to counter soil pressure. Such walls are constructed with various materials such as concrete, stone, and masonry, it is economical for elevations up to 3 m. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Gabion Retaining Wall: These walls are multi-orbital, rectangular wire mesh packing containers filled with rocks or different suitable materials. It is used for the development of erosion management structures & to stabilize the steep slopes. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim Cantilever Retaining Wall: These walls are made up of stem or base slabs, constructed with reinforced concrete, precast concrete, or prestressed concrete. These walls are built either on-site or precast offsite, it is economical up to 10 meters in height. The bottom slab portion under the backfill materials is known as the heel, and the opposite part is called the toe. It requires a small amount of concrete compared to the gravity wall, however its design and construction are carefully performed. Similar to the gravity wall, sliding, reversing, and bearing pressures will be considered during its configuration. ABE 011 – INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING Prepared by: B.U.Sioquim