Soil Erosion & Conservation in Darjeeling Dr. A. K. Singh Assistant Advisory Officer (Scientist-C) Tocklai Tea Research Institute Tea Research Association Jorhat, Assam India

Soil Erosion Soil Erosion: Erosion is a process of detachment and transport of soil particles by erosive agents.” Ellison, 1944 (Soil erosion is a major environmental threat to the sustainability and productive capacity of agriculture.) Natural erosion or geological erosion: Steady and slow process of nature is non destructive (Geological erosion is about 0.2-0.5 t/ha/yr.) Accelerated erosion: When nature balance disturbed by human activities like large scale cutting of forest, leveling and cultivation.

Why soil conservation important for Darjeeling ? To save the ‘WORLD BEST TEA’ which is produced in Darjeeling hills from 87 T. E. and 18000 ha area. According to some estimates > 30 cm of valuable fertile top soil has been lost through soil erosion by water in Darjeeling T. E. ever since they oriented. Most of the Darjeeling hills population depends on the tea industry, hence any loss to tea will have a direct impact on regional economy and people livelihood. Darjeeling tea industry provide direct employment to >76000 peoples.

Factors affecting soil erosion Climate: Rainfall, amount, duration, intensity, frequency (R) Soil Characteristics: Infiltration, texture, structure, erodibility (K) Topography: Slopes, steepness of slope, length of slopes, configuration of slopes, micro topography and aspect of slope. (LS) Biological factor: Vegetation cover, residue mulch and animals etc. (CP)

Causes of vulnerability of Darjeeling soils towards erosion Topography of the region Very steep slopes Heavy precipitation (1500-4000mm) Huge deforestation (for timber and fuel) Unscientific cultivation on steep slopes Faulty land use practices on farmlands (Cultivation of tea on 20 to 300% slope even more) High number of vacancies in gardens Lack of awareness about value of the soil Increase in human activities.

On site & off site impacts of soil erosion Loss of valuable top fertile soil Changes in soil texture Loss of essential nutrients Silting up of reservoirs Frequent flood in lower areas Loss of the economic crops Decline in soil productivity Source of pollution to surface water Imparts Global Warming

Management Strategies to Reduce Soil Losses For a sound soil conservation programme every piece of land must be used in accordance with its capability and limitations. According to the principles of soil conservation the land with slopes steeper than 50% must not be opened for cultivation. Improvement of land use practices on farm lands: contours and strip-cropping on sloping lands. Steep slopes, fallow land & garden border areas may essentially be brought under forests. Continued…

Adoption of organic farming. Continued… Adoption of organic farming. Any disturbance to the soil for preparation of replanting should be done only during winter months. Mulching/covering of soil during rainy season. Grow erosion cheking grasses like lemmon grass, vetiver and palmarosa in vacancies and on the border of water channels and along with road. Soil conservation in Darjeeling hilly areas requires a well and rational land use programme combined with engineering & cultural measures.

“Here is the Land but where is the SOIL” Soil conservation processes Soil degradation processes Live Soil Dead Soil Conserve soil otherwise coming generation will ask… “Here is the Land but where is the SOIL” S → SOUL O → OF I → INFINITE L → LIFE

Thank you