Soil erosion and conservation - A case study in the dry zone of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Deterioration of land resource in the dry zone is a threat to agricultural production in Sri Lanka especially the production of coarse grains, pulses and vegetables. Most of the dry zone soils are highly erodible and rainfalls are more erosive compared to the upcountry rains. Although the problem of soil erosion has been well recognized in the dry zone and effective conservation measures have been clearly identified, still severe land degradation is taking place in dry zone farmlands due to unattended soil erosion. Soil conservation measures have been introduced to dry zone rainfed farmers through the extension arm of Department of Agriculture, Provincial Departments of Agriculture and almost all the dry zone development projects implemented during the past. Soil conservation bunds and drains, tree and grass hedges, mulching, in-situ rainwater harvesting and watershed management programmes are the most important among them. However, it has now been realized that a more systematic approach is needed to achieve sustainable production from these lands. Most important steps are: mapping affected areas; making recommendations; planning and implementation of complete packages of sustainable farming and awareness creation among the general public on relevant Acts, policies and regulations.