Top 5 Ways to Increase Crop Yields in Drylands.

One of the top priorities of any government as head of state is to fulfill the basic necessities of food, clothes, and shelter to their citizens as an executive responsibility and duty. Increasing crop production in any part of the world is a prime concern taking into consideration the ever-increasing population and the need to feed so many mouths. Running out of fertile lands is one major obstacle in carrying out the whole plan. Here are expert tips that could increase the crop yield on dryland positively. 

• WATER MANAGEMENT.

The biggest hurdle in performing agricultural activities in dry arid lands is the unpredictable precipitation patterns of that area. Multiple approaches can be adopted to overcome this disadvantage in a strategic and sequenced manner. In hilly drylands, terrace farming can be adopted to overcome the draining of water. Practices like floodwater harvesting and roof water harvesting should be employed to overcome the unpredictability of the availability of water. 

Supplementary irrigation systems should be made available in course of time to overcome the unavailability of water for the crops.

• USE OF WETTING AGENTS.

Wetting agents are chemicals that help in the quick and accelerated absorption of moisture by the soil. Sometimes absorption of water and other nutrients can be hindered by waxy coatings on the soil. This hindrance can render the soil unsuitable for most plants. Wetting agents help in the absorption and retention of more water and nutrients through various chemical actions. It also helps in the quick spread of moisture in the soil making. Such a chemical is indispensable for areas that have dry soils, especially in tropical zones. 

• WIND SHIELDING.

Drylands are prone to winds that erode their fertile most layers and also depletes them of their moisture. In order to combat this limiting factor, the agricultural lands are strategically surrounded by trees and other vegetation to lessen the effects of winds on them. These aim at obstructing and reducing the wind intensity as much as possible. 

• CHOICE OF CROPS.

It will be highly futile if crops like rice which need a lot of regular irrigation supply in dry soils. Crops that need minimum water for sustenance should be used to grow on such lands. After identifying high productivity zones within dry farmland, the plantation should be concentrated in that area. 

High-quality seeds should be put to use in drylands to complement the other efforts of the farmers positively.

• PRECISION METROLOGY.

With the right choice of crops, the right amount of precipitation at the right time will be almost enough for the crop yield to be huge. The right weather predictions by the weathermen can go a long way in fulfilling this need of the farmers. Sowing crops just before precipitation can help in the attainment of the irrigation needs of the farmers. 

Soil moisture being a major driving force of the agricultural environment can be a major limiting factor in the production of crops on dry land. With scientific advancements and intensive research, such problems can be easily overcome.