60Years farmer help rice and sugarcane grow on 400 acres of alkaline "non-cultivable land"

Farmer Subrahmanyam unique technology changes his life…Know more…

Thursday, 9th September 2021

M S Subrahmanyam Raju (60), a farmer in Hyderabad, a science graduate, is best described as an enthusiastic farmer who is constantly looking for new farming methods. Although he has decades of agricultural experience, it was not until six years ago that he decided to completely switch to organic farming.

Raju told The Better India how he is now being asked to share his experience of converting pH (hydrogen potential) 8 or higher (alkaline soil) into arable land. In recent years, it has transformed hundreds of acres of chowdu bhoomi (alkaline soil).

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Chowdu Bhoomi is a piece of land that does not absorb water. Since there is no water penetration, the soil is rigid and compact, and will harden. The plants grown here are low in nutrients and tend to get sick easily. In turn, this can lead to low yields and plant death. Alkaline soil also means that the seeds cannot germinate well. These lands have hundreds of thousands of acres in our country and in the state of Telangana.

Raju said: "Due to the hardening of the top layer of the soil, its permeability is greatly reduced. This in turn causes rainwater to stay on the ground. On dry days, without enough irrigation water and a good drainage system, it is almost impossible to cultivate. "Due to the low solubility of this type of soil, the opportunity for the soil to absorb the nutrients necessary for plant growth is greatly reduced. He said: "We have many farmers who have large tracts of land but cannot grow anything because their soil is alkaline in nature."

Further explained: “For land considered suitable for agricultural cultivation, the pH value (potential hydrogen) must be 7. Any soil that is lower or higher (pH lower than 6 and higher than 8) will cause most The soil cannot survive. Plant crops. For example, a pH below 6 is suitable for specific crops, such as tea, berries, etc. In my years of experiments, I have been able to successfully convert soil with a pH of 4 to a pH of 10. Value and neutralize the soil. "

"In calcareous soils (calcium carbonate and calcium bicarbonate), the pH value will be high, which will cause more root penetration problems than ordinary alkaline soils, so plants cannot grow healthily. I can also correct this type of soil using organic methods.

Raju has spent six years experimenting to convert alkaline land to arable land and has four years of experience in the field implementing these technologies.

So far, more than 400 acres of alkaline farms have been converted to farmland. No. What's your secret in chapter?

 Tips for farmers:

 1. Focus on water harvesting technology:

Since the soil has been eroded for a long time, the most important thing is to establish a water harvesting technology. Raju emphasized the need to solve this problem before handling the floor in any way.

 2. Harvesting:

Once the water collection process is properly established, you must collect the harvest you want to plant on the ground. The crop you choose will determine the pH level of the soil that should be prepared. Planting various species also helps restore the vitality of the soil.

 3. Encourage the activities of farm animals:

 Recognizes that animals play an important role in soil regeneration. Cows, chickens, and other farm animals provide abundant fertilizer and composting materials for the soil.

The News Talkie Bureau

Source

ThebetterIndia