10th July 2024 (9 Topics)
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Negative Soil Moisture Anomaly (SMA)
Context
A recent study has highlighted significant soil moisture anomalies (Negative Soil Moisture Anomaly (SMA)) across India in 2023, impacting agricultural productivity and water resource management.
Key-findings:
- Extent of Soil Moisture Anomalies
- Approximately 32.8% of India's total land area experienced negative Soil Moisture Anomalies (SMA), indicating vulnerability to drought stress, covering about 1.08 million square kilometers.
- Conversely, 47.7% of the country's geographical area saw positive SMA, leading to wetter soil conditions than usual and increasing the risks of flooding and water logging.
- Seasonal Variations
- Monsoon Period (June-September):
- Punjab benefited from positive soil moisture levels, supporting robust crop growth and potentially preventing flooding.
- Odisha, with near-average soil moisture, could improve agriculture output by adopting water management techniques from Punjab.
- Bihar and Jharkhand faced below-average soil moisture, necessitating improved irrigation and water conservation methods.
- Pre-Monsoon Period (March-May):
- Punjab maintained above-average soil moisture levels, whereas Odisha experienced slight deficits, suggesting a need for shared water management practices.
- Andhra Pradesh and Kerala showed favorable conditions, while Bihar exhibited below-average soil moisture, emphasizing water conservation.
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands faced dry conditions, highlighting the urgency for enhanced water management practices.
- Winter Period (December-February):
- Punjab recorded positive soil moisture anomalies, benefiting winter crops and reducing the need for excess irrigation.
- Odisha faced negative SMA, indicating drier conditions compared to historical averages, suggesting potential benefits from adopting Punjab's irrigation techniques.
- State-Wise Implications
- Punjab: Benefits from positive soil moisture anomalies, supporting robust agriculture.
- Odisha: Faces challenges with negative SMA during specific periods, suggesting the adoption of efficient irrigation practices from other states.
- Bihar, Jharkhand: Require improved water conservation and irrigation techniques to address drought impacts.
- Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh: Showed variability in soil moisture levels, necessitating stable water management policies.
- Andhra Pradesh, Kerala: Require customized water management plans due to varying soil moisture conditions.
- Monsoon Period (June-September):
Policy Recommendations
- There is need to develop tailored water management policies based on regional soil moisture conditions.
- The state must implement drought management plans in deficit areas and flood management strategies in surplus moisture areas.
- Farmers should invest in advanced soil moisture monitoring systems using remote sensing and ground-based sensors for real-time data.
Fact Box: What is Negative Soil Moisture Anomaly (SMA)?
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