Soil and Water Conservation Works

Abstract

Soil and water conservation (S&WC) works consist of a comprehensive package of practices including digging of pits for planting, linear contour-based soil and water conservation structures, and check dams and stop dams for harvesting water in situ. As water is the most crucial resource in arid and semiarid areas, these works are central in determining the success of a plantation. It is therefore necessary to exercise great care both in designing and in executing these works correctly and effectively. Like all other works involving human effort—rather than machines—the quality and effectiveness of these works will depend upon the skill and workmanship of the workers, and high standards of close supervision.