COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT REPORT

ON
“SOIL PROTECTION”
A REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIALLY FULFILMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

In
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Submitted by
EDIGA SHALINI 21RU5A0314
MOGHAL MUBARAK 21RU5A0335

BADUGU PRUDHVIRAJ 20RU1A0302

BAPURAM RAJU 20RU1A0303

UNDER THE ESTEEEMED GUIDENCE OF
Mrs. T. GAYATRI M. Tech
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR,
DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING,RUCE, KURNOOL.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

RAYALASEEMA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

KURNOOL-518007
ANDHRA PRADESH
 RAYALESEEMA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
KURNOOL, ANDHRA
PRADESH

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the social relevant project work entitled “SOIL PROTECTION” is a Bonafede work
done towards partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of “BACHELOR OF
TECHNOLOGY” in MECHANICAL ENGINEERING from Rayalaseema University College of Engineering,
Kurnool is a record of Bonafede work carried out by them under my guidance and supervision.

EDIGA SHALINI 21RU5A0314

MOGHAL MUBARAK 21RU5A0335

BADUGU PRUDHVIRAJ 20RU1A0302

BAPURAM RAJU 20RU1A0303

The results embodied in this report have not been submitted to any other University or
institute for the award of Degree or Diploma.

Under the Guidance of Signature of HOD

Mrs. T. GAYATRI MTech (Ph.D.) Dr R. JYOTHU NAIK Ph.D.
Assistant professor & Project Guide Assistant professor & Coordinator
Department of Mechanical Engineering Department of Mechanical

Engineering RUCE, Kurnool RUCE, Kurnool

2
 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT

Name of the Student: EDIGA SHALINI

Name of the College: Rayalaseema University College of Engineering

Registration Number: 21RU5A0314

Period of CSP: 180 hours

From: To:
Name & Address of the Community/Habitation:
Pasupula (V), Kurnool(M), Kurnool(D)

3
 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT

Name of the Student: MOGHAL MUBARAK

Name of the College: Rayalaseema University College of Engineering

Registration Number: 21RU5A0335

Period of CSP: 180 hours
From: To:
Name & Address of the Community/Habitation:
Pasupula (V), Kurnool(M), Kurnool(D)

4
 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT

Name of the Student: BADUGU PRUDHVIRAJ

Name of the College: Rayalaseema University College of Engineering

Registration Number: 20RU1A0302

Period of CSP: 180 hours
From: To:
Name & Address of the Community/Habitation:
Pasupula (V), Kurnool(M), Kurnool(D)

5
 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT

Name of the Student: BAPURAM RAJU

Name of the College: Rayalaseema University College of Engineering

Registration Number: 20RU1A0303

Period of CSP: 180 hours
From: To:
Name & Address of the Community/Habitation:
Pasupula (V), Kurnool(M), Kurnool(D)

6
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I wish to express my sincere thanks to Mrs.T.Gayathri M.Tech, Assistant Professor in the Department of
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, RAYALASEEMA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING for
her guidance and encouragement during my seminar work.
At the outset, I express my deepest sense of gratitude to Mr.R.JYOTHI NAIK M.Tech(Ph.D.),Assistant

Professor, HOD OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, RAYALASEEMA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

OF ENGINEERING,KURNOOL for giving me an opportunity to work on a topic that was so challenging
and interesting for me. I remember with great emotion, the constant encouragement and help extended to me
by him that went even beyond the realm of academics.
I express my profound gratitude to our Principal Dr. Y .HARIPRASAD REDDY M.Tech., M.S., Ph.D and our
indebtedness to our RAYALASEEMA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING,KURNOOL.

My sincere thanks to all the faculty members of the department for the voluntary help, direct and indirect,
extended for me during the course of the work.

I am grateful to all our friends for their helpful and fruitful discussions on various aspects of this seminar.
Last but not least I would like to thank our PARENTS for their unlimited support up to now for my entire
life.

7
 ABSTRACT

Conservation of soil and water resources is important for sustainability of agriculture and environment. Soil
and water resources are under immense pressure due to ever increasing population thereby ensuing growing
demand for food, fiber and shelter.

Soil and water resources are being deteriorated due to different anthropogenic and natural factors. Soil erosion
is one of the several major deterioration processes which results in deterioration of the soil. Soil erosion is
removal of soil due to movement of water and/or air. Soil erosion may lead to the significant loss of soil
productivity and thus may lead to the desertification under sever conditions. Water and wind are the major
agencies which are responsible of soil erosion. Deforestation, over-grazing,mismanagement of cultivated soils,
intensive cultivation and intensive urbanization are major factors triggering the soil erosion. For
sustainable agriculture and environment, it is pertinent for the protection of soil resources against
erosion.Different control measures should be adopted to protect the soil resources against erosion. The
concept of soil conservation cannot be materialized without conserving and efficient use of water resources.
It is therefore per-requisite that soil conservation practices should be adopted. Soil conservation practice
include soil management,crop management, engineering, range management and forestry operation.

Key Words: Soil Protection, Anthropogenic, Soil erosion, Soil management,Crop management

8
 Student's Declaration

I E.SHALINI, a student of CSP Program, Reg.No.21RU5A0314 of the

Department of MEC Rayalaseema university college of engineering do hereby
declare that I have completed the mandatory community service in Kurnool, under
the Faculty Guide ship of Mrs.T.Gayathri, Department of MEC in
Rayalaseema university college of engineering

(Signature and Date)

Endorsements

Faculty Guide

Head of the Department

Principal

9
 Student's Declaration

I M.MUBARAK,a student of CSP Program, Reg.No.21RU5A0335 of the

Department of MEC Rayalaseema university college of engineering do hereby
declare that I have completed the mandatory community service in Kurnool, under
the Faculty Guide ship of Mrs.T.Gayathri, Department of MEC in
Rayalaseema university college of engineering

(Signature and Date)

Endorsements

Faculty Guide

Head of the Department

Principal

10
 Student's Declaration

I B. PRUDHVIRAJ, a student of CSP Program, Reg.No.20RU1A0302 of the

Department of MEC Rayalaseema university college of engineering do hereby
declare that I have completed the mandatory community service in Kurnool, under
the Faculty Guide ship of Mrs.T.Gayathri, Department of MEC in
Rayalaseema university college of engineering

(Signature and Date)

Endorsements

Faculty Guide

Head of the Department

Principal

11
 Student's Declaration

I B.RAJU, a student of CSP Program, Reg.No. of the Department of MEC

Rayalaseema university college of engineering do hereby declare that I have
completed the mandatory community service in Kurnool, under the Faculty Guide
ship of Mrs.T.Gayathri, Department of MEC in Rayalaseema university
college of engineering

(Signature and Date)

Endorsements

Faculty Guide

Head of the Department

Principal

12
 Certificate from Official of the Community

This is to certify that E.Shalini Reg.No-21RU5A0314 of Rayalaseema university college

of engineering under went community service in kurnool .

The overall performance of the Community Service Volunteer during his/her community service
is found to be ................................................................... (Satisfactory/Good).

Authorized Signatory with Date and seal

13
 Certificate from Official of the Community

This is to certify that M.Mubarak Reg.No-21RU5A0335 of Rayalaseema university

college of engineering under went community service in kurnool .

The overall performance of the Community Service Volunteer during his/her community service
is found to be ................................................................... (Satisfactory/Good).

Authorized Signatory with Date and seal

14
 Certificate from Official of the Community

This is to certify that BADUGU PRUDHVIRAJ Reg.No-20RU1A0302 of Rayalaseema

university college of engineering underwent community service in kurnool .

The overall performance of the Community Service Volunteer during his/her community service
is found to be ................................................................... (Satisfactory/Good).

Authorized Signatory with Date and seal

15
 Certificate from Official of the Community

This is to certify that BAPURAM RAJU Reg.No- 20RU1A0303 of Rayalaseema

university college of engineering underwent community service in kurnool .

The overall performance of the Community Service Volunteer during his/her community service
is found to be ................................................................... (Satisfactory/Good).

Authorized Signatory with Date and seal

16
CHAPTER1:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The community service report shall have only a one-page executive summary. It shall
include a brief description of the Community and summary of all the activities done
bythestudentinCSPandfiveormorelearningobjectivesandoutcomes.

We are planning to do the our project of soil protection program in Kurnool. On that Rapthadu (M)
we went ADO office to share our project and took some guidelines from ADO officer of that kurnool. ADO
officer told some details about the kurnool and brief information about what is soil protection and so on.

We have visited so many villages in the kurnool along with ADO officer to analyze what exactly
going on the village lands. We also took samples of the land in the villages. After that through that samples
we have analyzed the condition of the lands and so on.

By doing that inspection we found some Uncultivated lands/Waste lands, many peoples
throwing many waste materials such as Plastic materials and In decomposable materials in those lands.
We took the matter seriously and we have told to the ADO officer as to take necessary actions and to
clean that materials.

After all that we have make an awareness program to the nearby people about the soil
protection. On that awareness program we aware the public as reduce the usage of the plastic how to
protect the soil, For farmers use only organic fertilizers and don’t use many chemical fertilizers, and
make sure the soil will be in moister content and so on.

17
CHAPTER2:

OVERVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY

• About the Community/Village/Habitation including historical profile of the
community/habitation, community diversity, traditions, ethic sand values.
• Brief note on Socioeconomic conditions of the Community/Habitation.

kurnool district of AndhraPradesh state in India. Kurnool population in 2022 is estimated to be 5,75,000.
According to the 2011 census population is 4,30,000. Literature people are 2,94,262 out of 1,56,678 are male
and 1,56,678 are female. People living in kurnool depend on multiple skills, a total number of workers is
52,177 out of which men are 30,621 and women are 21,556. A total of 5,206 cultivators are dependent on
agricultural farming out of which 3,473 are cultivated by men and 1,733 are women. 24,173 people work in
agricultural land as labour in kurnool men are 10,850 and 13,329 are women.

The Total area of kurnool is 69.51km.sq.(26.84sq mi). The non -agricultural area in this locality is
136.14 hectares. The barren uncultivated area is 181.19 hectares. The pasture graze area is 23.07 hectares. The
area used for trees and other miscellaneous plants is 84.98 hectares. The wasteland in this locality is 131.93
hectares. The un irrigated land is 2723.69 hectares.

In the village the water which is available from taps that not filtered by municipality. There are no
drainage canals so that the waste will be flowing on the roads beside fulfillment and also there is no dustbins
so the people throwing the wastes besides the houses in the village, there is no toilets for the people so there
are suffering many problems in the village there are suffering many health problems.

18
CHAPTER 3:

COMMUNITY SERVICE PART

Description of the Activities undertaken in the Community during the Community Service
Project. This part could end by reflecting on what kind of values, life skills, and technical
skills the student acquired.
We went to soil conservation office at kurnool to meet ADO officer regarding our project.
ADO officer is not their yesterday, so that today also we went to the ADO office to collect some details and
guidelines for the project. ADO officer explains a lot about how to protect the soil form various kind of
erosion and pollution etc.
We went to along with ADO officer to visit some lands and take some samples of the different
kinds of lands. We learned about different types of soil erosion and their control measures. We went to see
and to take pictures of soil erosion lands. We have communicated with the surrounding people about the soil
protection, on that time we have noticed something big like plastic has been throwing on the empty lands
near the village.
We have took some pictures of the land where the plastic is accumulated. By those pictures
we’ve went to concern officer to do needed arrangements to clean that plastic. We have planned to conduct
an awareness program in that village. We have conducted an awareness program in the village.
We went to the fields to collect the data from the farmers about fertility and yield of the land.
We went to the same fields again we met with farmers and today we have collected data of the water supply
to the land. We have told the disadvantages of harmful fertilizers which farmers are using in their daily life.
Finally we have finished our community service project with an awareness program. On that
program we shared and we gave an awareness to the people who are living the village.

19
 ACTIVITY LOG FOR THE FIRST MONTH (DECEMBER)

DAY LEARNING Person

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE
&DA OUTCOME
In-charge
DAILY ACTIVITY
TE Signature

We went to soil conservation office at kurnool to

WEE meet ADO officer regarding our project. -
K–
1

ADO officer is not their yesterday, so that today Learnt how to interact with
WEE also we went to the ADO office to collect some officials.
K- details and guidelines for the project.
1

WEE ADO officer explains a lot about how to protect Learn how to name the project
K– the soil form various kind of erosion and by analyzing the various
pollution etc. problems.
2

WEE We went to along with ADO officer to visit some Learnt how to analyze the type
K– lands and take some samples of the different of lands and how to take
kinds of lands. samples for analyzation.
2

WEE We learned about different types of soil erosion Learnt about different types of
K– and their control measures. soil erosions and their control
measures.
2

20
 WEEKLYREPORT
FIRST AND SECOND
WEEK
Objective of the Activity Done: How to interact with officials and taking details from
them.

DetailedReport:

In this, we selected kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh state in

India to do our CSP project. On the first four days we went to ADO office of the village and got to know

the details and information of our project from the ADO officer of that particular village.

ADO officer explains briefly about what is Soil protection and how to protect the soil from

various erosions and about soil protection techniques and visited some lands so that we have an brief idea

about how the erosions were takes place on the lands. Also we’ve taken some pictures also.

21
 ACTIVITY LOG FOR THE FIRST MONTH(DECEMBER)

DAY LEARNING Person

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF
&DA OUTCOME In-charge
THE DAILY
TE Signature
ACTIVITY

We have communicated with the surround- Learnt how to interact with

ing people about the soil protection, on that people and understanding the
WEE time we have noticed something big like problems of the people.
K-3 plastic has been throwing on the empty
lands near the village.

WEE We have took some pictures of the land Learnt how to be gathering
K– where the plastic is accumulated. the details of the various
lands.
3

WEE By those pictures we’ve went to concern Learnt how to communicate

K– officer to do needed arrangements to clean with officials.
that plastic.
3

WEE Learnt how to communicate

K– We have planned to conduct an awareness with surrounding people.
program in that village.
4

WEE We have conducted an awareness program Learnt how to Aware the

K– in the village. public.
4

22
 WEEKLY REPORT

THIRD AND FOURTH WEERK

Objective of the Activity Done: To visit lands, planning and organizing an Awareness
program.

Detailed Report:

On this week we have visited the polluted lands on that village and gather some information

About the accumulation of the plastic and non-disposal materials which are thrown into the empty lands

Of the village.

And end of the day we have conducted on the awareness program about the soil protecti-

on and cleaned that plastic and non-disposal materials from the un-used land of the village.

And also, we have planned and organized an awareness program in the village to aware

the people who are living in the village.

23
 ACTIVITY LOG FOR THE SECOND MONTH

DAY Person
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE
&DA LEARNING
In-charge
DAILY ACTIVITY OUTCOME
TE Signature

WEE We went to the fields to collect the data from the Learnt about the soil fertility
K– farmers about fertility and yield of the land. and properties of soil from the
1 farmers.

We went to the same fields again we met with Learnt about water supply to
WEE farmers and today we have collected data of the the fields by the farmers.
K- water supply to the land.
1

WEE Today we went to visit the uncultivated lands. Learnt how to analyze the dry
K– Those lands are dried because of no regular supp- lands.
ly of water.
1

WEE
K– We collected the data from the farmers regarding Learnt about fertilizers.
fertilizers.
2

WEE Learnt about properties of

K– We have noted details and properties of the fertilizers.
fertilizers.
2

WEE We have told the disadvantages of harmful Learnt how to communicate

K– fertilizers which farmers are using in their daily with the farmers.
life.
2

24
 WEEKLY REPORT
FIRST AND SECOND WEEK
Objective of the Activity Done: To collect the data from farmers.

Detailed Report:

This week we went to the fields to collect the data from the farmers about the fertility of the

land, how much can that field yield and crop rotation also.

And took data about which type fertilizers are using for the fields and which type of

water supply they are using currently. We also went to some uncultivated lands to check the type of

land and take samples also.

We saw all the conditions of the land we have decided to conduct an awareness prog-

ram on the conditions of the fields/lands which are present in their village and about the fertilizers also.

25
 ACTIVITY LOG FOR THE THIRD AND FOURTH WEEK

DAY LEARNING Person

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF
&DATE OUTCOME
In-charge
THE DAILY
Signature
ACTIVITY

We went to visit along with ADO to Learnt how to analyze the

WEEK– visit the different types of bunds. different types of bunds.
3

Today we went to visit the pits which Learnt how to analyze the
WEEK-3 are used to improve ground water. ground water.

WEEK– We went to visit the structure which are Learnt how to analyze the
used to reduction of erosion. erosion structure.
3

WEEK–
Likewise, we give some tips to the Learnt how to community with
4 people.
public to keep their surrounding clean.

WEEK–
We have started cleaning program with Learnt how to help others.
4
the help of surrounding peoples.

WEEK– Again, we went to house which we Learnt how to analyze proble-

visited already along with volunteers to ms and find solutions.
4
show the problems on the end.

26
 WEEKLY REPORT

-
Detailed Report:

This week we went along with ADO officer to visit the different types of bund in the

nearby locality. Our ADO officer gives an brief description about Various types bunds and their function

their applications also.

And also, as much as we know about soil protection we delivered some tips regarding

how to protect the soil to the locality people. Again, we went to house which we visited already along with

volunteers to show the problems on the end of the day.

27
CHAPTER5:

OUTCOMES DESCRIPTION

Details of the Socio-Economic Survey of the Village/Habitation.

Attach the question Nair prepared for the survey.

*Learnt about how benefits of protecting the soil.

*Learnt about why soil protection is important.

*Benefits of improving soil protection structures.

*Learnt about how to protect the soil from various calamities.

*Learnt about how to measure the health of the soil.

28
 Describe the problems you have identified in the community.

*Throwing plastic in the unused areas of the locality.

*Soil erosion, soil quality degradation, or soil health.

*Excess water, insufficient of water, or water quality issue.

*Reduced health of the plants or quality of plants.

*Inability to meet livestock or wildlife habitat needs.

*Transportation of soils.

29
Short-term and long-term action plan for possible solutions for the problems identified and
that could be recommended to the concerned authorities for implementation.

Short Term Implementation:

* The short-term implementation contains mainly awareness, cleaning.

* Convincing farmers to apply soil conservation land management practices to mitigate soil

degradation

* Prevention of soil loss from erosion

Long Term Implementation:

*The long-term implementation contains establishing a committee for soil protection in the village.

* Consolidation of farm holdings for sustainable land size

*Forest protection.

30
Description of the Community awareness programmes/conducted w.r.t the problems and
their outcomes.

The awareness program can be done by our group members in KURNOOOL

before we doing the project people does not know about the soil protection ,and also the soil erosion

but after we are doing the project in that project locality people have some idea about the Protection of
soil

and uses.

Now-a-days almost all the people can pollute the land in all the ways but it leads to the soil

pollution and this may cause the un fertilizable land without growing the crops. By giving this awareness

program in that village people will know something about the soil protection.

The problem which comes from the soil erosion is growing of crops in agricultural land it can

be decreases the yield of crop. This leads to unprofitable of farmers these are the problems arise from

the soil erosion.

31
 Report of the mini-project work done in the related subject w.r.t the
habitation/village.

5.0 Introduction:

Soil is the most fundamental resource to fulfill basic requirements of food, fiber and shelter
of human race. The basis of all terrestrial life is soil although it is perceived as something of insignificant value
and it is considered as dirt but humans cannot survive without soil. Soil provides a wide range of ecosystem
services which are summarized in Table 12.1. Soil erosion is detachment and dislocation of soil due to the
action of water or wind. Soil loss due to erosion has great consequences because it leads to loss of its
productivity. Soil erosion occurs though out the world but it is a very common feature and more serious
problem in dry areas. Soil erosion disturbs agricultural, environmental and ecological functions performed by
the soil. Soil erosion results in depletion of soil fertility, decreased moisture storage capacity and consequently
in decreased crop productivity. In addition to loss of soil fertility and crop yields, soil erosion also increases
environmental pollution, increasing the sediment load in streams and rivers, thereby disturbing the aquatic life,
particularly fish. In the long run, soil erosion affects socio-economic conditions of the society by causing
floods, silting up of water reservoirs and disruption of communication systems. The soil covering the Earth
surface has taken millions of years to develop. The rate of soil formation is very slow (during every 100 to
400 years, only 1 cm soil is formed) and the enough soil depth is formed in 3000 to 12000 years to have a
productive land. Thus, when soil, a non-renewable natural resource is ruined then it will be lost entirely
(Pimentel et al. 1995; Lal 2001). Globally, out of 22% of the land suitable for sustaining agricultural
productivity, around 5 to 7 Mha are being lost annually due to land degradation, consequently, threatening
food security of the world. Soil and water resources conservation and management is important for the welfare
of the people.

The demands of growing world population force the wise use and management of resources
to meet the high demands of food production. If we will not realize the importance then there will be a time
when we will not have enough soil left to support life on this planet, as the soil is an essential resource to
support plants for producing food, and to provide shelter to insects and animals. Thus, it is important to
consider soil as a living object. Soil and water conservation and sustainable use of these resources are not only
crucially important to farmers but to the entire mankind for their sustenance. Sustainable agriculture, therefore,
is dependent on conservation of water and soil resources through a variety of methods.

Soil Erosion In agriculture, soil erosion refers to the removal of topsoil by the natural
physical forces of water and wind at a greater rate than it is formed or through forces associated with farming
activities such as tillage. Erosion removes the topsoil first and once this nutrient-rich layer is lost, the potential
of soil to sustain plants is reduced. Without soil and plants the land becomes desert like and unable to support
life. Soil erosion is a naturally occurring process that affects all landforms. Soil erosion can be classified into
two major types, i.e., accelerated and geological erosion. The normal process of weathering is geological
erosion that usually happens as a part of natural soil-forming mechanisms at low rates in all soils. It is not
affected by human activities as well as it happens at the period of long geological time. The processes
influenced by the slow but constant geological erosion are the development and disintegration of rocks. On
the contrary, in accelerated erosion, soil erosion becomes a main anxiety and a specific threshold level is
exceeded by the erosion rate and soil loss through erosion exceeds the soil formation through pedogenic
processes. Anthropogenic activities such as slash-and burn agriculture, intensive and uncontrolled grazing,
deforestation and burning of biomass and intensive plowing are main factors which trigger accelerated soil
erosion. The soil becomes less productive after the loss of fertile topsoil even by applying the same farm
inputs. So, the control and management of soil erosion are essential. Although soil erosion cannot be
eliminated but there are ways to minimize excessive erosion and its adverse effects on agricultural production.
the soil in the territory of Indus River are comparatively young and under the process of development and
mountains in the region have sharp and long slopes in the world. Heavy rainfalls in the summer and snow
melting in hilly areas aid to the soil erosion hazards. The major factors linked to soil and water erosion are
management practices, vegetation type, soil type and soil structure. The northern hilly areas having steep
32
slopes are less prone to water erosion due to presence of forests with permanently closed canopy but arable
crops sown in steep slopes are more vulnerable to erosion. In Pakistan, water erosion affect the total area about
11 million hectares. Because of soil erosion in the upstream, land and water use efficiency decreases by the
sedimentation in canal irrigation system in the plains. It is estimated that about 40 million tonnes of soil is
brought into the Indus basin every year because of accelerated soil erosion in mountainous and sloppy areas
and thus life span of major water reservoirs and their efficiency have been shortened. The productivity of area
has been declined due to removal of top soil and destruction of upstream riverside infrastructure. In
downstream, efficiencies of irrigation system and hydropower generation system have been reduced due to
sedimentation. Considering wind erosion in Pakistan, the sandy deserts of Tharparkar, Cholistan, Thal and
sandy areas along Maekran coastal areas in Baluchistan are commonly degraded by the wind erosion. The
areas near populated areas and watering points with free access to livestock are more vulnerable to wind
erosion. The major factor of degradation in these areas is the over exploitation of rangelands by deforestation
and livestock grazing. The worldwide effect of wind erosion is more dominant in the areas where sand dunes
are leveled off for crop irrigation. Movements of sand dunes at a height of 0.5-4 meters are known to occur
which possess threat to infrastructure and cultivated land. Wind erosion affected about the 3-5 million hectares
of land. Only wind contributed the 28% of total soil loss in this area. Deposition of thick sand layers on roads,
severe movement of sand dunes, croplands, railway tracks resulted by the fast moving wind storms that
ultimately threaten the rural life as well as the communication systems. Detailed description of wind and water
erosion is given below.

5.1 Soil Erosion Prediction:

Soil losses from cultivated fields by sheet and rill erosion are predicting by Universal soil
loss equation (USLE) developed by Wischmeir and Smith (1978). USLE considers all the variables as the soil
erosion is influenced by several factors. Soil management by erosion losses reduce to permissible limits is
done by information of USLE equation variables. In Europe and USA, this equation was successfully applied
and validated in various fields. The equation is as follows

A=R×K×LS×C×P
Where,

A = soil loss in metric tonnes per hectare (t ha-1)

R = rainfall and runoff factor or rainfall erosivity (j ha-1)

LS = slope length and steepness factor (compared to reference values of 22.6 m and 9%),
dimensionless.

C = crop management factor – a ratio which compares soil loss from an experimental field with that
from a field with standard treatment, dimensionless.

The soil loss in t ha-1 is obtained by multiplying all the variables

5.2 Soil Conservation Measures:

Soil erosion is prevented by several agronomic and biological properties. Crop rotations, agro-forestry and
soil synthetic conditioners, reduced tillage, riparian buffers, cover crops, vegetative filter strips, residue,
canopy cover management and no-till are important among these. This Chapter discusses the importance of

(1) soil amendments (e.g. manures)

(2) soil conditioners (e.g., polymers)
(3) crop residues
33
(4) cover crops for soil erosion reduction.

There are differences among these biological practices in relation to their mechanisms of erosion control.
Biological measures such as buffers or thin films (e.g., conditioners), conditioner application in direct
contact with the soil surface, crop residues using manure protect the soil.

5.3 Agricultural conservation measures:

Contour cultivation, manuring, mulching and mixed cropping are included in these practices.

5.3.1 Crop management:

Soil fertility is improved and wind and water reduce soil erosion by good crop
management practices. Keep soil covered is fundamental principle of conservation agriculture. Soil
protection from erosion by leaving crop residues on soil surface after harvesting is also helpful approach.

5.3.2 Crop selection:

If the gap is too long between harvesting one crop and sowing of the next crop than the additional
cover crops may be required. The stability of the conservation agriculture system is increased by
cover crops and erosion impacts are reducing by the improvement of soil properties and this
biodiversity in the agro-ecosystem are promoted for their capacity. The more effective crops in soil
erosion are perennials than annual crops. The most effective are sugar cane, fodder grasses, sweet
potatoes and tea.

5.3.3 Early planting:

The protection of the ground against raindrop impact is ensured by the crop shoots from the ground
within one or two weeks after the onset of the rains.

5.3.4 Crop rotation:

The practice of growing a series of dissimilar types of crops in the same space in sequential seasons
is crop sequencing or crop rotation for benefits such as such as avoiding pathogen and pest buildup
that occurs when one species is continuously cropped. Soil nutrient depletion is avoided by the crop
rotation that balance the nutrient demand of various crops. The replenishment of nitrogen with the
use of green manure and legumes in sequence with cereals and other crops is a traditional component
of crop rotation. Soil structure and fertility by alternating shallow-rooted and deep-rooted plants can
also be improved by crop rotation. The multi-species cover crops between commercial crops is also
another technique. The advantages of intensive farming with polyculture and continuous cover are
combined by these techniques. So, soil fertility, reduction of diseases and pests, addition of humus
and control of erosion is ensured by crop rotation.
5.3.5 Inter-cropping:
The impact of raindrops is reduced with the soil cover by the fast-growing legumes such as cowpeas
and beans early in the season before a canopy is developed by cotton or maize to shield the soil.

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5.4 Soil management:

Soil conditions are often changed by the inappropriate land use practices which ultimately result in soil erosion.
Optimum soil management aims to provide favorable conditions for plant growth through improved soil
nutrient availability and aggregation. Optimum soil management practices improve infiltration of water and
improve soil capacity to hold water and in result reduce runoff and erosion.

5.4.1 Use appropriate tillage practices:

Optimum soil physical conditions for better crop production are the main objectives of tillage. It also
ensures timely seedbed preparation, planting and weed control. Tillage practices should be adopted by
keeping in mind that;

• Soil is neither too fine nor powdery; and

• It breaks up the hardpan if necessary.

The main tillage methods are slash and burn, hand hoeing, ploughing, and harrowing, conservation or
minimum tillage, deep tillage.

5.4.2 Applying organic manures and mineral fertilizers:

Application of manure and fertilizers provide essential plant nutrients in the soil for better crop growth.
The crops with fast growth cover the soil quickly and give higher yields. Essential plant nutrients such
as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sometimes Sulphur required by plants are provided by
inorganic fertilizers. There is no substitute of inorganic fertilizers therefore integrated use of organic
and inorganic fertilizers should be adopted. Farmyard manure, green manure and composts etc. are the
main sources of organic fertilizers.

5.4.3 Mulching and the use of crop residues:

Spreading on the bare soil surface or placement of plant materials such as dry grass, straw, dry leaves,
banana leaves, sugar cane trash, and other crop residues around the stem of the plants is helpful in
controlling soil erosion and moisture conservation.

5.4.4 Physical soil conservation measures:

Physical soil conservation structures are permanent features made of Earth, stones or masonry, designed to
protect the soil from uncontrolled runoff and erosion and retain water where needed. • Selection and design of
structures depend on:

• Climate and the need to retain or discharge the runoff

• Farm sizes
• Soil characteristics (texture, drainage, and depth)
• Availability of an outlet or waterway
• Labour availability and cost
• Adequacy of existing agronomic or vegetative conservation measures.

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5.5 Recent Developments in Soil Protection:

Substantial development has been made in emerging conservation techniques against erosion. A better
understanding of factors, processes of soil erosion, causes and the related process are being investigated by
the middle of 20th century. The magnitude of soil erosion risk is determined by the better understanding of
the factors that establish more effective control practices in many regions of the world. The extent of soil
erosion remains high in spite of these technological advances. The on- and off-site severe effects of soil erosion
are stressed by conservation policies from 1980’s. Soil erosion is reduced by the conservation practices as well
as by adopting no-till farming. No-till farming is a practice of growing crops without turning soil. Better soil
management are due to these efforts. The major problem is a water pollution with chemicals and sediments.
USA and other developed countries have achieved significant improvements in soil and water conservation
and these efforts are not reflected in those parts of the world where erosion possesses a great threat to food
security. The integrated economic, political, social and agronomic approach are base to counteract the soil
erosion by the more difficult measures of soil conservation. Soil erosion is a potential threat to environmental
and agriculture sustainability and economically feasible, environmentally sound practices of soil conservation
are the base of farming system. Soil management, type, climatic characteristics and ecoregion varies with the
rate and magnitude of soil erosion. Soil erosion data is highly limited in less developed regions and estimates
are particularly crude in degraded and erosion-prone areas. That’s why some people think that soil erosion
issue is exaggerated while according to others views soil erosion is a severe problem and possesses great threat
to the stability of agricultural production. Implications of erosion are either under- or over-estimated when
credible data on the rate of erosion and its impact are non-existent or limited.

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 CHAPTER6:

RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE MINI PROJECT

6.1 Conclusions:
The growth of agriculture sector and rural livelihood depends on important natural resources like soil and
water. High productivity goals and intergenerational food security is achieved critically by the conserving
these vital natural resources. Overall improvement in ecological environment and sustained availability of the
basic human needs for shelter, food and fiber is ensured by the optimal use of these resources. The basic factors
causing soil erosion-induced degradation are wind and water erosion. Acidification, compaction and
salinization are some other causes of soil degradation. The main causes of enhanced soil erosion are intensive
cultivation, urbanization, overgrazing, poor management of arable soils and deforestation. Soil deserves more
attention as it is being eroded faster than its formation. Agricultural productivity and environmental quality is
sustained by managing and alleviating the off-site and on-site impacts of accelerated soil erosion. The
livelihood of all inhabitants particularly in poor regions of the world is affected by the high cost of erosion.
The global climate is affected by soil and soil maintains water resources clean as well as providing food
security. Soil erosion is a major issue but the medium to store carbon globally and buffers water pollutant is
soil. The regions where farmers are poor and the soil erosion is the major risk, the proper conservation policies
implementation and the technologies must be done. Soil erosion is reduced and effectively stabilized in
developed countries by the implementation of adequate conservation policies and programs but there is needed
much more to be done. The poor farmers that do not have adequate resources to implement erosion control
practices and mitigate the threat of soil erosion in developing countries require greater needs.

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 Evaluation by the Person in-charge in the Community/Habitation

Student Name:

Registration No:

Period of CSP: From: To:

Date of Evaluation:

Name of the Person in-charge:

Address with mobile number:

Please rate the student’s performance in the following areas:

Please note that your evaluation shall be done independent of the Student’s self-evaluation

Rating Scale: 1 is lowest and 5 is highest rank

1) Oral communication 1 2 3 4 5

2) Written communication 1 2 3 4 5

3) Proactiveness 1 2 3 4 5

4) Interaction ability with community 1 2 3 4 5

5) Positive Attitude 1 2 3 4 5

6)Self-confidence 1 2 3 4 5

7) Ability to learn 1 2 3 4 5

8) Work Plan and organization 1 2 3 4 5

9) Professionalism 1 2 3 4 5

10)Creativity 1 2 3 4 5

11)Quality of work done 1 2 3 4 5

12)Time Management 1 2 3 4 5

13)Understanding the Community 1 2 3 4 5

14)Achievement of Desired Outcomes 1 2 3 4 5

15)OVERALLPERFORMANCE 1 2 3 4 5

Date: Signature of the Supervisor

38
 Student Self-Evaluation for the Community Service Project

Student Name:

Registration No:

Period of CSP

Date of Evaluation:

Name of the Person in-charge:

Address with mobile number:

Please rate your performance in the following areas:

Rating Scale: 1is lowest and 5 is highest rank

1) Oral communication 1 2 3 4 5

2) Written communication 1 2 3 4 5

3) Proactiveness 1 2 3 4 5

4) Interaction ability with community 1 2 3 4 5

5) Positive Attitude 1 2 3 4 5

6)Self-confidence 1 2 3 4 5

7) Ability to learn 1 2 3 4 5

8) Work Plan and organization 1 2 3 4 5

9) Professionalism 1 2 3 4 5

10)Creativity 1 2 3 4 5

11)Quality of work done 1 2 3 4 5

12)Time Management 1 2 3 4 5

13)Understanding the Community 1 2 3 4 5

14)Achievement of Desired Outcomes 1 2 3 4 5

15)OVERALLPERFORMANCE 1 2 3 4 5

Date: Signature of the Student

39
 PHOTOS:-

Soil erosion Dry land

Soil protection

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Causes for soil pollution:

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