Soil water retention is the ability of soil to hold water and make it available for plant growth. Poor soil water retention can lead to drought stress, nutrient leaching, erosion, and reduced crop yields. If you are facing this problem, here are some strategies to improve your soil's water retention.
Organic matter, such as compost, manure, crop residues, or cover crops, can enhance your soil's water retention by increasing its porosity, structure, and nutrient content. Organic matter can also improve the soil's biological activity, which helps to create stable aggregates that resist compaction and crusting. To add organic matter, you can apply it as a mulch on the soil surface, mix it into the topsoil, or grow green manures or cover crops that you can incorporate into the soil later.
in order to preserve good moisture in the soil, you must use all the tools you have, if you have the opportunity to add organic matter, use mulches or gound cover all sums to benefit. most important is to add water in the right time and the right amount. for that, you can use tensiometers as the cheap tool.
I agree, adding organic matter like manure, compost, decomposed garden waste ect. to soil definitely increases water retention capabilities of SOIL.
1- One percent increase in Organic matter retains 65000-70000 Gallons of water per ha. 2- Water retainers also help to retain water in soil. 3- Mulches 4- Cover crops....
Soil organic amendments such as mulching/green manuring/FYM/ poultry manure may improve the soil water retention by improving the soil carbon leading to important physical soil enhancement
Water is the most limiting factor in crop production so first we need to understand reason for low water retention. Soil texture, structure, percent organic matter (OM) and management practices together impacts the amount water a soil can retain. Organic matter of soil is very important, and it helps to improve soil properties which further helps plants growth by promoting structure, pore space, and a source of food for soil organisms. Use of compost or manure, cover crops/mulching and practicing organic farming methods can improve soil’s ability to retain water and help support healthy soil and healthy plant growth.
Mulches are materials that cover the soil surface and reduce water evaporation, weed growth, and soil temperature fluctuations. Mulches can be organic, such as straw, leaves, wood chips, or grass clippings, or inorganic, such as plastic, gravel, or fabric. Mulches can also help to prevent soil erosion and runoff, and some organic mulches can decompose and add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. To use mulches, you can spread them around the base of your plants, leaving some space for air circulation and water infiltration.
Embrace the transformative power of mulches to nurture flourishing gardens and landscapes. Whether organic or inorganic, mulches serve as guardians of the soil, shielding it from water loss, weeds, and temperature fluctuations. With options ranging from natural materials like straw and wood chips to synthetic alternatives such as plastic or fabric, mulches offer versatility to suit any gardening style. Beyond mere protection, mulches play a vital role in preserving soil health by curbing erosion, enriching nutrient levels, and fostering microbial activity. Embrace the simplicity of spreading mulch around your plants, creating a sanctuary where nature thrives and your garden flourishes in harmony with the earth.
Cover crops, in addition to forming mulches, will increase organic matter in the soil over the years, which will also favor, among many other aspects, an increase in water retention. The direct effect of protection against erosion and lower levels of evaporation is almost immediate. Here we used the consortium brachiaria (B. ruziziensis) with crotalaria (C. ochroleuca), this was the consortium with the best cost-benefit found.
Use crop residues like paddy straw or corn stalks as mulch. Plant legumes as cover crops for nitrogen and mulch, managing grazing carefully. Utilize decomposing leaves or organic materials for mulch with fodder benefits. Apply strip mulching and time it well. Integrate with livestock management through fodder banks and grazing management to avoid any competition with fodder. Consider mulch applicators and local materials like leaves for cost efficiency
The use of mulch has also proved viable. Mulches like straws and broad green leaves have been used to cover the soils to help retain its moisture content during dry seasons to prevent frequent watering. The material used to cover the soil traps the heat from the oxygen and little is conducted into the soil and that helps to maintain good amounts of soil water as little is lost to the surrounding environment.
Spreading a layer of mulch around the plants helps suppress weeds, retain moisture in the soil, and regulate soil temperature.
Drainage is the removal of excess water from the soil, which can prevent waterlogging, salinity, and root rot. Drainage can also improve soil aeration and oxygen availability for plant roots. To improve drainage, you can install drainage tiles, ditches, or pipes under the soil, or create raised beds, mounds, or ridges on the soil surface. You can also avoid working the soil when it is wet, as this can cause compaction and reduce pore space.
Be inquisitive. Look at the system from the perspective of the water. Learn to read the impediments and facilitators to it's retention.
You can improve drainage by adding compost to clay soil for example. The most important concept is picking the right plant that can handle standing water and periodic drying during drought. The compaction of soil using heavy equipment can also compress the soil and create drainage issues. The use of vermiculture creates a wonderful organic material that improves drainage over time.
The best technique I know esp for flood irrig or high rainfall or waterlogged wet fields is permanent raised beds using controlled traffic tramlines farming and furrow irrig or sprays if not rainfed dryland !
Unlock the potential of your soil by mastering the art of drainage. By effectively removing excess water, you not only prevent waterlogging, salinity, and root rot but also enhance soil aeration, ensuring optimal oxygen availability for plant roots. Whether through the installation of drainage tiles, ditches, or pipes underground, or the creation of raised beds, mounds, or ridges on the soil surface, there are myriad ways to promote healthy drainage. Remember, timing is key – avoid working the soil when it's wet to prevent compaction and preserve vital pore space. Embrace the journey of cultivating well-drained soil, laying the groundwork for a thriving garden where plants can flourish and roots can reach for the stars.
Work with the slope. Install "water traps" which will reduce the speed of the water flow (contour lines, for example) and give the soil more time to absorb water.
Some crops are more tolerant of drought or water stress than others, and can adapt to different soil conditions. For example, legumes, such as beans, peas, and alfalfa, can fix nitrogen from the air and improve soil fertility, while cereals, such as wheat, barley, and oats, can grow well in dry or sandy soils. You can also choose crops that have deep root systems, such as sunflower, sorghum, or lucerne, which can access water from deeper soil layers. To choose appropriate crops, you can consider the climate, soil type, and water availability of your area, and consult local extension services or research institutions.
Embrace the diversity of nature's bounty by selecting crops that thrive in your unique environment. Some plants, like legumes, possess the remarkable ability to fix nitrogen from the air, enriching soil fertility and resilience. Others, such as cereals, demonstrate resilience in dry or sandy soils, providing sustenance even in challenging conditions. Delve deeper into the soil's potential by choosing crops with robust root systems, like sunflowers or sorghum, capable of tapping into deeper water sources. Let your agricultural journey be guided by the wisdom of the land, considering climate, soil type, and water availability. Seek guidance from local experts and research institutions.
Intercropping (incl. mixed or relay and suitable forms of agroforestry) can increase the time and degree the soil is covered near the surface. This protects soil aggregates from the kinetic (movement) energy of raindrops and helps keep pores open to infiltration. It can also add organic matter and biological activity improving soil structure and water retention. Permanent vegetation in contour rows is particularly important because the start or end of the cropping seasons can be critical. Agroforestry requires soil surface cover near the surface to help reliably, because drops joining at leaves can accelerate and fall with more energy per square metre. Still, trees can add value, falling parts and protection to herbs in such lines.
Rotacionar significa alternar a cultura plantada dentro do mesmo talh?o. Diferentemente da sequência de culturas, em que se planta uma espécie após a outra, na rota??o as culturas se desenvolvem simultaneamente. Essa prática contribui de diversas formas para a recupera??o do solo degradado:
Choosing appropriate crops is an important way to promote a healthy soil profile that allows correct drainage and water retention. Furthermore, crop mixes can promote greater biodiversity of natural enemies, for example. Everything is interconnected!
Hello, In my point of view, first of all, appropriate crops must be chosen according to the type of soil. Because there are some crops well known for water retention capacity.
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the soil to supplement rainfall and meet crop water requirements. Irrigation can improve soil water retention by maintaining optimal soil moisture levels and preventing water stress. However, irrigation can also cause problems, such as water wastage, runoff, erosion, salinity, or waterlogging, if not done properly. To irrigate efficiently, you can use methods that minimize water loss, such as drip, sprinkler, or furrow irrigation, and schedule your irrigation based on soil moisture sensors, weather forecasts, or crop stages.
Enhance transformative power of irrigation to nurture vibrant crops and cultivate thriving landscapes. By supplementing natural rainfall, irrigation ensures optimal soil moisture levels, preventing water stress and fostering robust growth. Yet, like any tool, irrigation requires thoughtful management to avoid potential pitfalls such as water wastage, erosion, and salinity. Embrace efficiency by adopting irrigation methods like drip, sprinkler, or furrow techniques, minimizing water loss and maximizing effectiveness. Let innovation guide your irrigation practices, utilizing soil moisture sensors, weather forecasts, and crop stage considerations to tailor watering schedules for maximum benefit.
I use a pressure chamber to measure water potential in vineyard to schedule irrigation. By measuring the vines we can apply water only when the vines actually need it.
From a large farm perspective, as climate patterns change, with possibilities of more frequent droughts and erratic rainfall, irrigation practices will need to adapt to ensure food security. This could involve using more drought-tolerant crops or investing in more advanced irrigation technologies. Economic considerations: The cost of water, energy use for pumping water, and the initial investment in irrigation systems are all economic factors that need to be considered when implementing irrigation practices. Unequal access to water can be a challenge in irrigated agriculture. Ensuring equitable water distribution among farmers, especially small-scale farmers as larger farms are broken up, is crucial for sustainable irrigation practices.
Automated irrigation will always be the most efficient way to reduce water waste. Aim for the most precise and advanced system depending on your needs, your land, your ecosystem and your context. Do no use synthetic inputs that can damage your soil and water sources through run off. A fertile soil with the adequate structure will maximize the impact of your irrigation system vs a degraded or "damaged" soil.
Soil testing is the analysis of soil samples to determine its physical, chemical, and biological properties, such as texture, pH, organic matter, nutrients, and salinity. Soil testing can help you to identify and correct any problems that may affect your soil's water retention, such as acidity, alkalinity, salinity, or nutrient deficiency. To test and amend your soil, you can collect soil samples from different parts of your field, send them to a laboratory or use a home kit, and follow the recommendations for adding fertilizers, lime, gypsum, or other amendments.
Test soil is vital for our success, we need to know what is necessary to apply and what doesn't apply in the field. Sometimes we abuse fertilization and pesticides, which are prejudicial to the environment and very expensive.
Soil testing empowers you to understand the intricate balance of your land's essence. Through careful analysis, you uncover the secrets held within the earth—its texture, chemistry, and vitality. Armed with this knowledge, you embark on a journey of stewardship, correcting imbalances and nurturing growth. With each test, each amendment, you cultivate not just soil, but possibility. In your hands lies the power to transform, to nourish, and to sustain—a testament to the profound connection between humanity and the earth.
When the water retention is poor, we need to analyze the soil to have an idea of the properties. these results can allow to evaluate the needs of this kind of soil, and what must be added to improve water retention.
Take soil sample for testing for chemical composition as well as compaction to determine the infiltration and water holding capacity.
Soil testing should be the foremost activity before doing anything else. By these alone, one will know the Macro and Micro deficiencies, to include pH (acidity/alkalinity), and soil structure/soil type from which one can determime on how to correct water retention, drainage or whatever the case may be. With such information, we can do the right approach choosing the mentioned remedies (mulching, amendments, etc.) Saves time and effort.
Try using Super-Absorbent-Polymers or Hydrogels that are designed for agriculture. All Hydrogels or SAP's are not suitable. A good product is bio-degradable, safe and stable for a long time.
An example I've seen is planting certain plants that have good water retention capacity. A classic example would be the comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) flowering plant native to Europe and cultivated in certain parts of the world including PNG that can grow in a variety of environments it has a good water holding capacity in it's roots that can supply to other plants during drought.
Need to increase #water attention? Also want to support #biodiversity and #soilhealth in the process? ?? Plant Cover ?? Crops! They help conserve water too...and revitalize the soil...and support mission critical #pollinators. Indeed they create micro-habitats. They are fonts of diverse life, conservation and rejuvenation. ?? Cover crops are excellent for water retention! I have seen before and after videos of fields side-by-side with and without cover crops. The differences are very obvious. Absorption and conservation vs. runoff and flooding. They are also far more ecologically sound for the #ecology and #foodchain than toxic #plastic covers. Give them a try and see for yourself! ??
Over-ploughing leaves soil vulnerable to surface loss and impedes water percolation. Excessive tillage contributes to hard pan formation, creating a cement-like structure in the subsoil. Opting for reduced or no tillage promotes natural soil sponginess, enhancing water retention. Directly sowing seeds without ploughing aids in soil health. Increasing cover crop cultivation and crop rotation encourages deeper root penetration and boosts organic matter, further enhancing water retention in the soil
What I would add is to use cover crops as a tool to penetrate into deeper soil horiszons to improve the physical and biological aspects of the soil. Imagine you look into a room through three different windows, all looking at the same thing (the soil) but through different viewpoints and angles. The three layers are the physical, the chemical, and the biological. To address drainage and water retention problem we need to anaylize what the root cause of the problem is - physical, chemical or biological. And then adresse the problem where we will have the biggest effect for the minimum energy and money invested. A short term and long term strategy.