TIPS | Day 3 Proper Land Preparation Repairing canal embankments increases yield

Описание: #agriculture #organicfarming #naturalfarmingsystem #hybridrice #inbred

✓ Repairing embankment canals for rice fields primarily involves sealing leaks, compacting soil, and performing regular maintenance to ensure good water management, which in turn increases yields and reduces expenses by minimizing water loss. 

Repair Procedures for Embankments

Locate Leaks/Damage: Identify all cracks, holes (including rat holes), and breaches in the canal banks.

Excavate and Prepare: Empty the canal. Excavate the damaged bank area to well below and beside the leak or crack to ensure a strong repair.

Rebuild with Compacted Soil: Refill the excavated area with moist, fine-textured (clayey) soil, adding it in layers of 5 to 10 cm and compacting each layer well. This reduces permeability and prevents future seepage.

Reshape and Strengthen: Restore the original shape of the canal cross-section, using a wooden template if available. Strengthen weak sections, especially where people or animals cross, using compacted soil or bricks.

Consider Canal Lining: For highly permeable soil or persistent issues, consider a permanent lining. Options include concrete, geomembranes (high-density polyethylene - HDPE), or a combination of both. Geomembranes are highly effective at preventing seepage when installed correctly beneath a soil layer or concrete.

Install Control Structures: Ensure the system has proper control gates, spillways, and outlets to regulate water depth and prevent overtopping during heavy rainfall. 

Maintenance and Best Practices

Regular Inspections: Conduct routine, thorough inspections, especially at the beginning of the cropping season, to identify and promptly repair any new damage.

Vegetation Management: Remove bushes or trees growing on canal embankments, as their roots can compromise the compacted soil and cause leakages. Weeds and debris in the canal itself should also be cleaned out regularly to maintain optimal water flow.

Puddling and Leveling: In the field, practice thorough puddling (tilling with standing water) during land preparation to create a compacted "hard pan" that significantly reduces deep percolation losses within the paddy. A well-leveled field is also essential for uniform water coverage.

Water Management Techniques: Implement water-saving techniques such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), which involves monitoring the water depth and only re-irrigating after the water level has dropped to a certain point. This can save substantial amounts of water without affecting yields.

Professional Consultation: For extensive damage or the design of new, efficient systems, consulting an engineer is recommended. 

By implementing these repairs and maintenance practices, you can effectively manage water resources, reduce water losses, increase irrigation efficiency, and ultimately boost crop yields with fewer inputs and expenses. 

source: IRRI