Water Management
Soil is the nurturer of the plant, animal and human ecosystem on mother earth.
Water is the most precious natural resource that is Finite and non-renewable.It is needed to support ecosystems, wildlife and human population.
Water plays a pivotal role in the process of producing food. 70% of all water in the world is used for agriculture. The Quantum of water we use and the practices that we adapt in usage of water resource is our responsibility.
Construction of dams, reservoirs and irrigation channels has been our way of addressing this excessive need of water in agriculture. Instead we need to strive for better water management by adapting new methods like drop by drop irrigation.
The need of the hour is to initiate a Change in the culture of the way people use water. At GreenDNA, we are committedto responsible farming and hence efficient usage and Conservation of water is an essential part of our practices.
We teach our team of people the importance of Water and train them on various methods to save water in their daily lives apart from usage in agriculture.
(a.) Use only that much as needed - Every drop of water is valuable
Water requirement differs according to crops and soil type. As a result, we first determine the type of soil available in the farming area. Using technology the right amount of water required for the soil type is ascertained and only such an amount of water is used minimising the wastage.
Irrigating the crops with the right amount of water – using scientific data to ascertain the amount of water required for the specific crop and ensuring only required amount of water is given to plants avoiding wastage of water
Drip irrigation - Water is delivered directly to the ground’s surface ensuring water conservation by reducing evaporation and deep drainage
(b.)Protect, Conserve and Store Water
Practicing Organic farming in itself is a big stride towards Water protection and conservation
In Traditional farming chemical fertilisers are used. Chemical fertilisers make the soil hot and rigid. So, the amount of water required to irrigate such a land is very high.
We use organic manure in our farming. Organic Manure like Cow dung is the food for the microbial organisms in the soil and helps them flourish. In corollary, it aids the growth of Farmer’s best friend – The Earthworm. These earthworms provide multitude of services that improve water conservation and enhances soil health. As they munch their way through the soil at least three times a day, they leave nutrient rich channels. These channels create better moisture content for soil and even improve aeration. The channels enable absorption of water, so every drop of water that flows on soil percolates.
Indirectly, Earthworms ensure that the amount of water required to grow crops is reduced and removes chances of water running off not to mention the additional benefit of Zero Soil Erosion.
Protect water from getting evaporated
Mulching – fallen leaves are collected and used to cover the farming area keeping the soil moist by reducing evaporation
Cover crops such as Legumes are used which aid in conserving more moisture. Residue from cover crops increases water infiltration and reduces evaporation, resulting in less moisture stress. They trap surface water and add organic matter to increase infiltration to the root zone.
No tillagesystem is practiced - Improved water infiltration, less runoff and reduced evaporative losses are some of the gains by this practice
Conserving every drop of rain and stream water
Water Channels are created along the natural flow of the water in the farm so that water either percolates or flows down to catchment area and/or multiple ground water re-charge pits. Water run offs is prevented by contour bunding and blocking path ways.
(c.)Reuse Water as many times as possible–
In Traditional farming chemical fertilisers are used. Chemical fertilisers make the soil hot and rigid. So, the amount of water required to irrigate such a land is very high.
i. Natural cleaning agents are used for keeping the dairy areas clean and washing the animals. Hence the water that come out of after cleaning is released to bio-digesters thereby using every drop of water
ii. Water used to clean harvested vegetables is re-used used for plants. There is no hesitation in doing so since the entire process from sow to harvest is organic and natural.
iii. Waste water from the cleaning of vessels and bathing gets filtered, processed and used for the plants
Careful and effective water management has helped us maintain the natural eco system as well as continue growing healthy organic produce. In our endeavour to succeed in sustainable agriculture, we gained a greater sense of purpose and direction to help other farmer community to practice Organic Sustainable Agriculture. The methods we had perfected will contribute to making more sustainable farms.
Inspired by this, we have embarked on our journey of consulting and providing solutions for sustainable agriculture including climate change adaptation in turn improving water and food security.
