Overcoming constraint of tidal swampland with water management with one-way flow system to increase of rice growth

Abstract

The paper addresses the issue whether water management is the key and the only practical way to reclaim and ameliorate a large area of tidal swampland. It reviews recent developments in water management practices with special emphasis on leaching acid sulphate soils are found throughout the length and breadth of the earth. Success in water management is the key for the reconciliation between agricultural yields and environmental sustainability. Water management of tidal swampland, which is dominated by acid sulphate soils, is a serious problem and challenges to reconcile agricultural practices and sustainable quality of ecosystem. Mismanagement of water dynamics may bring about catastrophic consequences instead of friendly environment. The local knowledge/wisdom in managing water supply and drainage to sustain rice yields with a two-way flow system of channels that allows a supply of fresh water during spring tide and drainage during tide has been introduced. The traditional system for reclaiming the tidal swampland by digging a drainage channel called handil. The experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of water management on soil chemistry of tidal swampland. Water management with a one-way flow system reduced of soil acidity, toxic elements and increased rice growth in tidal swampland.