Climate-Resilient Strategies for Improving Water Management in Drought-Prone Regions

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University have developed climate-resilient strategies for improving water management, soil carbon-nutrient cycling, and water and carbon footprint mitigation in drought-prone regions. The study explored the effectiveness of four in-situ rainwater harvesting methods and promising cropping systems in improving soil health and water regimes. The results showed that residue recycling enhanced soil organic carbon by 16-19% and improved moisture availability during dry periods, leading to better photosynthate partitioning and system productivity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that residue recycling (RM) enhanced soil organic carbon by 16-19% and improved nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels by 5-30%.
  • RM significantly improved moisture availability during dry periods, resulting in better photosynthate partitioning, pigmentation, leaf turgidity, and system productivity.
  • The carbon footprint trend among establishment methods was Conventional Tillage (CT) > Broad Bed and Furrow (BBF) > RM > Ridge and Furrow (R&F).
  • The Maize-Mustard-Sesbania (M-M-S) cropping system with Residue Mulch (RM) significantly enhanced carbon sequestration across establishment methods, with a maximum of 7.68 Mg CO2-Ce ha-1 under RM.
  • The M-M-S and Groundnut-wheat (GN-W) cropping systems with RM can address both water scarcity during dry spells and water logging during heavy rains, while also reducing water and carbon footprint with high soil organic carbon stock.

Statistics:

  • Carbon footprint (CF) trend among establishment methods: CT (54.7%) > BBF (29.5%) > RM (29.7%)
  • Soil organic carbon enhancement under RM: 16-19%
  • Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium enhancement under RM: 5-30%
  • Carbon sequestration under M-M-S with RM: 7.68 Mg CO2-Ce ha-1
  • Carbon footprint reduction under M-M-S with RM: 29% SOC stock increase

Sources:

  • Climate smart land configurations and cropping systems diversification sustaining soil-water-carbon synergy and resource use efficiency. Resources, Environment and Sustainability, 2025, 21(), 100246.
  • Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.resenv.2025.100246 (free journal article)