Taming Monsoons - Season 2..

Last year, I had posted a blog on directing some of the rain water through channelization to avoid soil erosion and flooding of cultivated land. In case you missed it, you can find it here. We have been taking steps to further control the adverse effects of the much needed monsoons and thought of sharing some of our progress thus far.

Last month, we de-silted the channels. Excess gravel was used to make bunds along the channel bordering Melia Dubia plot (to let the water go beneath rather than flowing into the channel). Of course, this would be a problem when there is excessive rain and Melia Dubia trees (close to the bund) would be waterlogged. In that event, pipes would have to be placed under the bunds.

We have had a couple of good showers this week, which gave us an opportunity to evaluate the water flow and stagnation points and accordingly prepare before hitting the main monsoon season.
Another improvisation that was made this time was 'compartmentalization ' of the channels. A stretch of 4 feet deep channels were followed by a foot deep trough (10 feet long). This was done to enable filling of 4 ft deep compartment before flowing into the next compartment and retain as much water as possible and replenish the underground water table.

Water flowing into one of the 4 ft deep  compartments.

A 4 ft trough filled almost to its maximum holding capacity in a 45 min shower.

Melia Dubia, a year later!

Last August, we had planted 5000+ Melia Dubia saplings. A year later, most of the saplings have been able to grow into young, sturdy trees with an average height of 10-11 ft (although some of them are as high 15-17 ft). External inputs have been minimal. Biannual manuring has been followed and irrigation given once in 5 days (40L at a time). No chemicals or fertilizers have been used except Humic Acid on the weaker ones.

Following are the pictures of our Melia Dubia plot a year later. 

To give you a reference, where we were last year, check out the archives.