Context:
A study finds nearly half of India’s soil vulnerable to floods and a third to droughts.
About the study
- The study, titled “Unearthing India’s soil moisture anomalies: impact on agriculture and water resource strategies,” Published in Springer Journal.
- The study examines changes in soil moisture levels (using soil moisture at a depth of 0 to 10 cm) across India and by comparing 2023 data with historical averages from 2000 to 2005.
Key Findings of the study
Soil Moisture Anomalies (SMA) in India (2023)
- Impact of Negative SMA on Drought Vulnerability:
- In 2023, approximately 32.8% of India’s land area experienced negative SMA, indicating vulnerability to drought stress across about 1.08 million square kilometers.
- This has potentially affected agricultural productivity and water resource management.
- Positive SMA and Risks of Flooding:
- Conversely, about 47.7% of India’s geographical area saw soil moisture levels exceeding historical averages, totaling about 1.57 million square kilometers.
- This positive anomaly increased the risks of flooding and waterlogging in rural and urban areas.
Study Insights and Recommendations
- Significance of Detailed State-Wise Assessment:
- The study presents a detailed state-wise assessment of seasonal SMAs, emphasizing the need for tailored water management policies to optimize agriculture productivity and enhance climate resilience.
- Disparities Across Regions and Seasonal Variability:
- It highlights disparities between regions and across seasons, suggesting mitigation measures that can be adapted from other states to achieve sustainability in water management practices.
Practical Applications and State-Wise Findings
- Impact on Agriculture and Water Resource Strategies:
- It asserts that soil moisture fluctuations critically influence crop yields, water availability, and food security across India’s diverse climatic zones.
- Seasonal Analysis and State-Specific Strategies:
- From June to September, Punjab benefited from positive SMAs, supporting robust crop growth and mitigating flooding risks.
- Odisha faced negative SMAs, necessitating improved water management strategies modeled after successful practices in Punjab.
- State-Specific Challenges and Recommendations:
- States like Bihar and Jharkhand continue to struggle with below-average soil moisture, prompting the adoption of enhanced irrigation and water conservation methods.
- States like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, experiencing above-average soil moisture variability, require robust water management policies for sustainable agriculture.
Key recommendations:
- Creating region-specific policies to manage soil moisture effectively, such as drought management plans for dry regions and flood strategies for surplus moisture areas.
- Investing in advanced soil moisture monitoring systems using remote sensing and ground-based sensors to obtain real-time data for prompt decision-making.