Dry Farming

The concept of dry farming incorporates idea of making maximum use of available moisture. The regions which receive less rainfall can benefit from the practice of dry farming. Reducing the wastage of water that results from run-off and preventing evaporation of water are the core ideas underlying the practice of dry farming. Areas receiving less than 20 inches rainfall on an annual basis are classified as drylands. There are many problems that occur in successful cultivation of crops in these regions. However, with the measures presented below, cultivation should become a bit easier.

Meaning and Applications of Dry Farming

The idea of dry farming got popularized by its use in the Great Plains region of USA. This method of agriculture proved to be of great use from the point of increasing wheat production. Hardy Webster Campbell from South Dakota used it successfully for increasing the production of wheat. Soil moisture is conserved by means of dust mulch. The tips for mulching should prove to be useful. There are many other techniques other than mulching and which are discussed in subsequent paragraphs.

Characteristics of Dryland Farming
Here are some of the facts/characteristics of dry farming that could provide a clear picture about the stark reality of dryland agriculture.

• Rainfall received in dry areas is very limited. Moreover, there is great uncertainty in the rainfall received by regions with this kind of a climate.
• The soil surface is undulating which leads to greater run-off and thereby wastage of moisture.
• Climatic hazards like drought make it difficult for life to survive.
• Cattle in such regions have a poor health due to malnutrition.
• There isn't much variety in crops grown in these areas.

Crops for Dry Farming
The crops that are chosen for dry farming should either be drought evasive or drought resistant. These plants have special adaptations which help them conserve moisture. For example, sorghum (jowar) reduces the rate of transpiration and resists dry conditions. The growth ceases in these dry conditions. Resumption of the plant growth at the onset of favorable conditions takes place; the plant continues its growth thereafter.

Guidelines for Dryland Farming
The following set of guidelines should prove to be useful for practicing dryland farming. Along with the knowledge of what is dry farming, the techniques presented below should prove to be useful.

• Soil should be deep plowed before the rainy season. This practice helps store water in a higher quantity than in normal conditions. Moreover, it facilitates root growth by providing enough space to spread.
• Different methods for increasing the concentration of crops need to be used.
• Proper choice of seeds (varieties) that are suitable for growing in dry conditions have to be made.
• Sowing of seeds need to be done deeper in soil. Number of seeds used for sowing should be in accordance with required quantity. One shouldn't use extra seeds; it prevents wastage of moisture.
• The water run-off can be reduced by making use of terracing. In this practice, furrows are laid out so as to reduce the speed of flow of water. This practice is also known as contour plowing.
• The soil erosion control measures like reduced tillage, use of wind-breaks, mulching, etc can be implemented.
• The summer fallow technique also proves to be useful from the point moisture conservation. In this technique, the cropland is not cultivated (kept fallow) for an entire season. The crop that is grown in the next season benefits from the water being conserved and nutrients that are left unused during the fallow season.
• Topsoil holds great importance from the point of water conservation as well as nutrient usage. In order to minimize the loss of nutrients, one should practice strip farming.

The meaning of dry farming is explained through different facts related to this practice. One should find the information presented above, to be useful.