Vertisols are an important group of soils in the semi-arid tropics (SAT) of lndia
and elsewhere. They have high water-storage capacity and high production
potential, which remains under-utilised because of the difficulty of managig
these soils and the use of traditional technology. Drought and poor dniw
are twin problems which discourage most farmers from cropping these mils m
the rainy season and make them resort to post-rainy cropping,
A technology based on the watershed concept, broadbed-and-furrow syrtan
and land management, use of improved implements, high-yielding varieties,
double-cropping and intercropping systems, balanced.we of fertiliser and good
crop management practices has been evolved and tested for 8 yearsat lCRlSAT
Center, near Hyderabad. The technology offers the possibility of incrtosing
yield to 3 to 5 tonnesl ha and of giving profits up to 250% on the investment. The
improved technology reduces soil and water lossand increases production. It is
likely to improve the employment potential and well-being of the people of the
SAT.
The technology needs trials in different agroclirnatic environments in lndia
and also critical evaluation and modification elsewhere.