SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

Dr. Nagaraj Sitaram

Professor Civil Engg. Dept.
SET, JU, Bangalore
1.0

ABSTRACT:

The growing population in our country is posing a serious threat on the

available soil and water resource.
water is well documented.

The growing scarcity of fertile soil and

It demands to take-up proper conservation

practices for conserving the available resources.

The water and soil

conservation practices should always form an integral part of management of

soil and fresh water resources. This paper discusses the main causes and
suggests remedial measures to protect soil erosion and water depletion in the
Country.
2.0

INTRODUCTION:

Air, water, soil and plants are the Gifts of God. Human kind cannot think of

Fig.1 - Nature,Man kind & Animals

their survival without any one of these. We are blessed with all the resources
in plenty of amount but our misuse and carelessness can change the
situation. We should conserve these gifts for

generations to come (Fig. 1).

Conservation of soil and water is one of the prime challenges in Civil

Engineering. Human kind is suffering a lot due to loss of water and soil in
terms of loss of agricultural production and scarcity of water. Hence it is the
duty of Civil Engineers to save the nature from the blink of extinction. About
45% of the land available in the country is brought under cultivation. This

proportion seems to be higher when compared to neighbouring Countries.

But in terms of total agricultural production, we are far behind than the
developed countries.
The main reason behind this is due to improper usage of land and wrong
agricultural practices. The techniques for soil and water conservation have to
be dealt together because these methods are of similar in nature. The very
high increase in population has triggered the need for more food production
and settlement, which needs to be met without affecting the ecological
balance of the earth.
3.0

SOIL EROSION AND WATER WASTAGE:

Soil Erosion starts with the direct impact of raindrop on the topsoil. The
raindrops cause rain to splash and produce fluid force, which carries-away the
grains of sand, silt and clay down the hill slopes. Wind movements also add
to causes of soil erosion as shown in Fig.2. A heavy wind transports tons of

Fig.2 Soil Erosion due to Wind Motion

soil from one place to another. The main reason for all sorts of erosion is lack
of vegetation, which acts like a blanket for soil. Bad farming practices also
increases the soil losses which in turn initiate chain reaction of events leading
to more water and soil loss. Over grazing of pastures can also accelerate the
soil erosion.
The main impacts of soil erosion are listed below:
a) Decline in crop yield
b) The fertility of soil is reduced
c) The soil that was once a natural resource for the farmers becomes mud
and silt after soil degradation.
d) Huge quantities of soil fill up the rivers, thus reducing the carrying
capacity of water.
e) As rivers silt up, navigation begins to suffer.

f)

In rainy season the damage can be manifolds due to road, railway traffic
jams
because of landslides.
g) Reservoirs designed to last many decades may be filled up with silt in a
short time
than the designed period.
h) The chances for floods are more as the rivers flow out of their usual
courses. The
Cities and low-lying plains begin to suffer from the downstream effects of
soil
erosion.
i) Costly irrigation, flood control and hydroelectric schemes may be wrecked.
j) The economic result of downstream erosion is a rise in the cost of energy,
water food
and goods.
As soil erosion progresses, gullies get deepened (Fig. 3). The cropland
becomes pastures, pastures burn easily and the land becomes a wasteland.
Many parts of the country are hit by drought due to insufficient rainfall.
Water wastage can start from household industries and agricultural lands,
etc. In household usage water wastage can be in many ways like leaking of
faucets, showerheads, toilets, hoses etc.

In industries water wastage

normally cause water pollution in the nearby water bodies.

The adverse

effects of wastage of water are listed below:

Affects agriculture production due to scarcity of water

Human life would be affected, if supply of water is less or polluted
in the urban cities.
Industries and factories may close due to shortage of water
The economy will be brought down due to all these reasons

Fig.3 Soil Erosion in a Valley Due to Rainfall

& Wind

2.0

NEED FOR CONSERVATION OF SOIL AND WATER:

In an agriculturally inclined country like India, loss in agricultural production

and

decrease

in

revenue

means

more

food

shortages.

Since

the

developmental plans are

dependent on the agricultural sector, hence food shortage affects these
plans. The life in rural population becomes more difficult and people migrate
to urban areas for employment.

This results in social unrest and political

discontent.
Our country has diverse climate, when one part of the country suffers from
floods, the other part faces drought situation. Such adverse conditions has to
be noticed and measures should be taken to stop it. Water along with soil is
the most important material needs to be conserved. A water conservation
practice becomes a hot topic of discussion at the time of drought.

In India

there are hundred of rivers flowing East and

West dumping gallons of pure water and tons of soil into the ocean. Proper
methods are needed to conserve/distribute water without affecting the soil of
the land. In this regard inter water transfer through river basins may also
improve water shortage.
The exact amount of wasteland in India is not known. But dependable sources
claim that about 80% of this wasteland can be reclaimed and put under proper
usage.

So proper conservation methods should be deployed to restore this land

to become fertile land.

4.0

SOIL CONSERVATION:

4.1

Basic Requirements of Design Technique:

Fig.5 Effect of Grazing on Soil Erosion rate

4.2

A study of an ecology and rainfall distribution in the area

- To study
the flow of excess water. To store water in Ponds and wells and its
proper usage.
To plan measures to prevent floods and droughts.
Economic and Social factors - Population survey, economic survey
alongwith social factors.
Vegetation cover
- A study of flora and fauna of the
region
Animal grazing
- Survey of livestock population and
stock of
grazing area in the region.
Land usage - Reconnaissance on the land usage pattern
Methods :

Fig.4 Effects of Vegetation on Soil Erosion rate

1)

2)

Afforestation: The first and foremost method that can stop soil erosion
is afforestation. Trees help a lot in the field of soil conservation. . (The
impact of rain drop is reduced due to vegetation).

The roots of the tree reduce the heavy rush of water in terrain thus
reducing the rate of erosion of soil. It also holds up the soil and
prevents its erosion also. The accompanying Fig. 4 explains how tree
roots conserve the soil and water.
The trees also reduce the intensities of wind and hence reduce its
capacity to carry the soil along with it.
Controlling Overgrazing: The lack of fodder results in overgrazing (Fig.
5). To stop this grazing land should be sort out and the number of
livestock should be properly surveyed. The livestock should be spread
to other pasturelands to reduce the overgrazing of a certain region.
5

3)

Construction of Gabion dams: The clayey soil shrinks in dry season

and expands in the wet season. Thus these soils are more proven for
erosion, as it is washed away more easily with water than other type of
soil particularly in the rainy season. To stop this construction of Gabion
dams is recommended.
Various techniques are used for the
construction of these dams. Such dams have shown very good results
in many parts of our country. The various types of dams are shown in
the Fig. 6.

Fig.6 Various types of Gabion Dam

4)

Other structural methods for soil conservation: (Fig. 7)

Fig.7 Check dams and Series of dams

Contour dams
- Normally recommended for terrain with 1 to 6%
Gradient.
Series of dams - For terrain with gradient up to 1%.
Terracing method - For slopes with more than 10% gradient
Stream Bunding- Earthen dams with channel spillways
Check dams - Small dams with spillways
These construction methods help very much in soil conservation. In terrains
the main reason for soil erosion is the heavy gushing of water from the top
soil causing sheet erosion and gully erosion. To stop the heavy flow of water
and soil, dams are constructed using boulders and earth so that soil in
terrains are not washed out into the valleys. The construction methods of
these dams are shown in figures. These check dams once constructed should
also be maintained properly for long term usage.
5.0

WATER CONSERVATION:

Water conservation is designed as any beneficial reduction in water use or in

water losses. There are many ways of water conservation methods which are
7

highly effective for water saving. Among these Water Saving Devices are
more popular in domestic and commercial fixtures, which are simple and
most economical. Water Management can be divided into two basic groups
System users (house hold, industrial, agricultural sectors) System operators
(Municipal, State, local Govt. etc.).

These user groups can adopt various

methods, practices, devices, which can promote or enhance the efficiency of

their use and work towards better water management. The Engineering
practices for water conservation are aimed to reduce the water input, without
reducing consumer satisfaction and output.

These practices are based on

modification to hardware and water supply operational procedures.

The

water conservation practices are generally technical or of regulatory type.

Such practices include leak detection, waste reduction, investment in
appliances, processes and technologies that reduce water input. Sometime
recycling and reuse of water alongwith the reallocation of fresh water
resource are of great use and highly effective.
6.0 URBAN WATER CONSERVATION:
Approximately 50% of urban water are for interior use. The Table-1 lists the
possible water savings and their percentage reduction. Other potential areas
of saving are optional. Installing indoor plumbing fixtures that save the water
carries out an engineering practice for individual residential water user. It can
be done by replacement of existing plumbing equipment with equipment that
consumes less water.

Flow plumbing fixtures and retrofit programs are

permanent and one time conservation measures which can be implemented

automatically with little or no additional costs over life time.
Table 1: Potential Residential Interior Water Savings
Feature

Water
Saving as
a % of
interior
use

For Newly Constructed Houses: Low flush toilets

Low flow shower heads
Low flow kitchen and lavatories faucets
Pressure reducing valves
Insulated hot water lines
Low water using cloth washers
Low water using dish washer
For Existing Houses: Plastic bottles or water dams in toilet reservoir
Replace showerheads with low flow variety or install
flow Restrictors.
Place low flow aerators in kitchen and lavatory
faucets or Replace entire unit.
Pressure reducing valves
Insulated hot-water lines

7.0

18
12
2
5
4
5
4
18
12
2
5
1

INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL USERS:

Various Industrial house and commercial users can implement conservation

practices for water conservation.

In the industrial sector, the savings are

achieved through recycling of water.

This method has already received a

great amount of attention by industries and in controlling the quantity waste

discharges. This also helps to avoid penalties levied onto them by the Govt.
Pollution authorities for contributing to the water pollution.
8.0

WATER REUSE AND RECYCLING:

Water recycling is the reuse of water for the same application for which it was
originally used.

Recycled water might require treatment before it can be

used again.
Water reuse is the use of wastewater or reclaimed water from one application
such as municipal wastewater treatment for another application such as
landscape watering. The reused water must be used for beneficial purpose
and in accordance with applicable rules (such as local ordinances governing
water reuse).

Some potential applications for the reuse of wastewater (or

reclaimed water) include industrial usage, landscape irrigation, aesthetic uses

such as fountains, and fire protection etc. The factors, which are considered
for industrial water reuse program, are listed below:
a)
b)

Identification of water reuse opportunities

Determination of the minimum water quality needed for a given
Industrial
process.
9

c)
d)

Identification of wastewater sources that satisfy the water quality

requirements
as per State Pollution Control Board.
Determination of mode of water transport for new usage.

The reuse of wastewater or reclaimed water is beneficial because it reduces

the demands on available surface and ground waters. Perhaps the greatest
benefit of establishing water reuse program is their contribution in delaying
or eliminating the need to expand potable water supply and treatment
facilities.
8.1 Cooling Water Re-circulation:
The reuse of water in cooling towers of industrial applications represents one
of the largest water usages.

The recycling water with a recalculating cooling

system can greatly reduce water use by using the same water to perform
several cooling operations.

The water savings are substantial to result in

reduction of overall cost savings to the concerned industry.

8.2 Users Practices for Agricultural:
8.2.1

Irrigation:

Water-saving

in

irrigation

practices

fall

into

three

categories; field
Practices, management strategies and system modifications. Field practices
are techniques that keep water in the field, distribute water more efficiently
across the field, or encourage the retention of soil moisture.
Management strategies involve monitoring of soil and water conditions and
collecting information on water use and effectively.

The information helps in

making decisions about scheduling applications or improving the efficiency of

the irrigation system.

System modifications require making changes to an

existing irrigation system or replacing an existing system with a new one.

Because system modifications require the purchase of equipment, they are
usually more expensive than field practices and management strategies.
8.2.2 Landscape Irrigation:
There are several general ways, which can be used for more effective of
water by using landscape irrigation, including design of landscapes for low
maintenance.

By using water efficient irrigation equipments like drip

systems, deep root systems and by maintaining irrigation equipments and

10

scheduling of irrigation to give maximum crop yield.

Now a days acute

shortage of water has encouraged even Rain water harnessing.

8.3 Rooftop Water Collections and Recharge:
This is one of the techniques through which
rainwater

is

captured

(fig.8)

from

roof

catchments and stored in reservoirs. Harvested

rainfall can be stored in sub surface ground
water reservoir by adapting artificial recharge
techniques to meet the household needs

Fig. 8 Example of Rainwater Harvesting

through storage in tanks. The main objective

of rooftop rainwater harvesting is to make water available for future use.
Capturing and storing rainwater for use is particularly important in dry land,
hilly, urban and coastal area. In alluvial areas energy saving for 1meter rise
in ground water level is around 0.40 kilowatt per hour.
Availability of rainwater from rooftops is so high in the urban areas and if
properly diverted and used artificial recharge not only increase the
groundwater availability but also help in reducing water scarcity problem of
cities and towns. Commonly run off water from rooftops are let off into drains,
instead of this the outlet can be connected through pipe to a storage tank
and let into gravel filled trenches, pits or existing open wells/bore wells etc, to
serve as
effective

recharge points.
and

if

These

implemented

methods
in

good

are

less expensive

spirit by

each

and very
house

or

housing project, will help in augmenting the groundwater availability of the

area. Different structure can be adopted for ground water recharge, utilizing
the rooftop water. Depending upon size and configuration of the plot area, the
dimension and location of the trenches and pits are to be planned. In general
trenches are recommended with a minimum width of 0.5 meters. All along
the compound wall with number of pits of 2m to 3m depths and 1m
diameters. The combination of trenches and pit recharge is better for more
groundwater recharge.

Utilisation of dried up well. Dried well can be utilize as recharge wells by

connecting them to water outlet pipes through rooftops. This cost effective
process not only save the precious rainwater going as a waste, but also
helps in restoring the local ground water availability.

11

Decentralised

percolation through

water

spreading

and

longitudinal

trenches. This method applicable to houses having large open areas. The
run off water from rooftops can be diverted into bare soil or garden in the
premises of household. The topsoil may be loosened before monsoon, for
batter recharge. Apart from this a longitude trench of 1.0 to 1.5 meter
depth with a width of 0.5 to 1 meter may be dug and filled with well
rounded pebbles, gravel and sand in order to store excess run off water
during rainy days that will eventually percolate.

Centralised

percolation

through pits.

Pits are dug

deeper and away from building foundations, where the

soil is more previous. The pits may be back filled
with permeable material like pebbles, gravel and
sand

for better percolation. The top sand layer needs

to be cleared and re-laid once in two years to remove

settled silts for restoring the percolation. Commonly,
pits with 1meter diameters and 2 to 3meters depth are
recommended. The combination of water spreading and pit recharge is
better for more groundwater recharge.

Recharge through wells. It involves direct discharge of rainwater through a

setting sump to the underground waterbed. These wells can be used
both as production wells and recharge wells. The main advantage of direct
injection of rooftop run off water are harvesting more rooftop rainwater,
relatively high rate of recharge and utilizing of groundwater during non
rainy days.

Recharge

through Shafts

This

is recommended

for

steep slope areas. The shafts are deep pits with a width of 1meter, length
of 2meters and depth of 10 to 15 meters preferably terminating above the
aquifer (waterbed) level. The shaft may be cased or uncased on the top,
but are back with

filled

with

permeable soil, which facilitates

more effective and faster percolation and mitigation of biological and

chemical pollution.

12

8.4. Typical Filter Units and Recharge Well/Shaft:

Direct recharge

of

the

aquifer

through open

wells will be an

easier

and less expensive process in the shallow aquifer region. The rooftop run off
water can be directed into open wells through pipes and settling pit, to avoid
possible turbidity.
The bore wells used for with drawl of groundwater can also be used for recharge
with

a valve control between the storage tank/settling pits and bore well. In
addition to the run off from rooftop, part of the run off from paved and other
open area can also be diverted to the recharge pits/trenches.
The rainwater, from the rooftops, can be used directly for washing purposes
and for storing the water temporarily in
This method is
storied buildings and

settling sumps for later use.

less expensive but more effective. Industries

government organisation

can implement

multiit, as

they depend mostly upon groundwater sources for all-purpose.

8.5. Storm Run-off Collection and Recharge:
The problem of storm run off and ground water depletion in the city can best
be tackled together by harvesting the storm run off for artificially recharge of
ground water reserves. The storm run off generated within an area can be
utilised for groundwater recharging by diverting it into suitably designed
structures near pavements, parking lots, municipal parks, play grounds,
stadiums, airports etc. and earmarking some open spaces exclusively for
13

the purpose. The design of recharge structure should involve construction of

sufficient numbers of recharge pits and trenches filled with gravel. The
location of these recharge structures should near to the places where storm
run off is collected, posing problem for traffic and disposal.
9.0 CONCLUSIONS:
Water and soil are essential natural resource. It is an important ingredient in
all of the major challenges we face production of food and fibre,
energy, pollution control, coastal soil erosion, landslides, transportation
and environmental quality.
The growing scarcity of water and fertile land is discussed in detail.

Our

ingenuity and skills will be tested to find ways to satisfy the increasing
demand for fertile land and fresh water resources.

Water and soil

conservation measures, which are discussed in the paper, have to play

a key element in addressing these demands.

14