About Lesson
Characteristics (problems) of dryland farming system :
A) Climatic factors:-
- Annual rainfall is between 750 to 1150 mm,
- Evapotranspiration (ET) loss is higher than precipitation
- High-intensity rainfall for short periods causes problem of soil erosion by water
- Distribution of rainfall is not uniform
- Late onset of monsoon, delays sowing of crops
- Early cessation of rain, causes moisture stress during reproductive and maturity stages
- Prolonged dry spell during crop period, retards growth and yield of crop
- High wind velocity causes soil erosion
- Low relative humidity, increases evapotranspiration loss
B) Soil factors:-
- Poor ground cover, problem of wind and water erosion
- Sand and silt particles are dominant in soil texture
- Low organic matter content and poor fertility
- Low moisture and nutrient-holding capacity
- High infiltration rate and low groundwater table
C) Socioeconomic factors
- Poor resource base and biodiversity and poor farmers
- Higher cost for lifting underground water, higher cost of production