Project 5: Influence of tillage on ground water recharge from rice field.

Project 5: Influence of tillage on ground water recharge from rice field.

Introduction:
Puddling is a common phenomenon for transplanted rice. During puddling of rice field, particles of the top soil get churned and form a compact layer over the soil. The status of compactness of surface soil depends on the nature of the soil and the type of puddler. This layer reduces the rate of infiltration (entry of water into the soil through its surface) from the rice field. Farmers of a common locality use different puddlers drawn by animals, power tiller or tractor. Thus, regulating the degree of entry of water into the soil through puddling, this controls the recharge status of ground water of any locality.

Objective:
i) Quantification of infiltration rate
ii) Suitable puddling operation in terms ground water recharge

Methodology:
1. Partitioning a rice field
2. Number of partition depends on number of puddlers available in a locality
3. Collection of soil-water suspension just after puddling
4. Collect cylindrical container with 5 litre capacity at least
5. Cut the top and bottom plain of the container to make it open from both sides.
6. Make three to four holes on the side wall 1” apart from the middle part of container.
7. After puddling, insert the container into the soil till its middle part reached the soil surface, the holes will be thus 1’ above the soil surface.
8. Fix a plastic scale of 12’’ length attached to the side wall, insert 2’’ into the soil.
9. Measure the bulk density of the puddle layer at the end of the study period.
Observation:
1. Measure the height of water level inside the container in the morning.
2. Take readings consecutively for 2-4 days after puddling as well as at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after puddling.
3. Measure the bulk density values after harvest of rice crop.
Follow-up:
1. Transfer the results of the experiments to the local Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) office or district office of the State Water Irrigation Department.
2. Demonstrate and explain the experiment and its results