Agricultural Drainage : Principles and Practices

Contents: Preface. 1. Agriculture drainage problems. 2. Predominance of irrigation on drainage. 3. Groundwater exploration. 4. Groundwater--flow and seepage. 5. Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity. 6. Design of surface Drainage System. 7. Salt problems and their control. 8. Design of subsurface Drainage System. 9. Results of case study. Appendices. Glossary. Abbreviations.

"Rapidly shrinking natural resource base due to increasing population and competition for water among all other sectors is increasing the damage to ecological foundation of agriculture through soil degradation by erosion, water logging, salinization and siltation of reservoirs. There is a wide gap between creation and reutilization of water both in qualitative and quantitative aspects. Rapid urbanization, industrialization and population explosion coupled with global climatic changes and over exploitation of groundwater are the main reasons for diminishing water availability for agriculture.

In order to ensure adequate water for agriculture, we must embark upon efficient water management practices including water conservation, water harvesting and its efficient use through new technologies like micro-irrigation. One of the main lacunae is the lack of attention towards land drainage in irrigated commands resulting in increase of problematic soils.

In view of these developments, a constant need for a scientific compilation on the intricate details of the drainage technology is being felt by the stakeholders. This publication is a compilation of details of drainage technology to improve the soil health and productivity of the problematic land. This book will bridge the yawning gap between the two."