Farming methods and patterns in Sri Lanka

 Farming methods and patterns in Sri Lanka

1.Hen farming(Traditional farming)

It is a traditional farming method that has been practiced since the past in Sri Lanka. It is widely practiced in the dry region.At that time, a newly married couple was allowed to do this cultivation by the grant person of the village. The aim is to meet the economic, social and nutritional needs of the family. A forest has been selected for this farm. Later, it has been cultivated continuously on the same land. When the soil is continuously cultivated on the same land, its fertility decreases due to the depletion of nutrients. Then another site is selected for cultivation. In this case, to cultivate the relevant land, permission should be obtained from the grantee of the village. By this method of obtaining permission, forest destruction could be prevented.

In the past in Sri Lanka, this cultivation method starts in the months of June and July. During this time, a stand is found in the forest and the stand is set on fire. A fence is made around the cultivated land using the unburnt wood left there. During the cutting of the forest, large trees are left, and animals are killed on one of the trees. A small house is built for protection. There is no felling of trees. After the forest is burnt, its ashes are scattered over the land. Then the seeds are planted. These seeds are buried under the soil with a hoe or rake. This way the seeds are less damaged by birds and drying. can be done.

Mixed crop cultivation can be seen in these plantations. Goda, Kurakkan, Bada Irigu, Sesame, millet can be seen in these plantations. In these plantations, the fertility of the soil is adapted.

Advantages of this farming method.

• The required qualification is low.
• The cost of inputs is very low as chemical fertilizers are practically minimal.
• Environmental pollution is less due to the use of chemicals.
• A balanced diet is possible due to the mixed cropping system.
• Since the soil is burnt, subsequent disease and insect pest damage is minimal.
• Deforestation is less because large trees are not cut down.
• The crop residue left after harvesting can be used as feed for animals.

Disadvantages of this cultivation method

• The yield from a single field is low.The yield from a single field is low.
• Improved seed varieties that give higher yields are also not cultivated.
• Soil nutrients are gasified and removed from the soil.
• Primary tree population is reduced due to land shift.
• Primary tree population is reduced due to land shift.

2.Dry farming

The cultivation of crops in areas with less than 508 mm of annual rainfall is known as dry farming.There are no areas in Sri Lanka that receive such low rainfall. But the areas that receive more than 1750 mm of rainfall, i.e. the principles of farming in the dry zone, can be used to grow crops. There are two growing seasons in Sri Lanka. Due to high temperature, water deficit increases.

Water conservation methods used in dry farming

• Adding organic matter to the soil.
• Soil mulching.
• Application of soil conservation methods.
• Improving soil physical properties.
• Breaking the hard layers of the soil
• Loosening the soil.
• Application of windrows.
• Remove all weeds as weeds increase evaporation.
• Use of cover crops.
• Providing shade.
• Leveling the field as much as possible.
• Choosing the right crops.

Factors to be considered while selecting crops for dry farming

• Select crops with less water requirement.
• Crops that grow quickly and cover the soil should be selected.
• Ability to hedge against adverse climatic conditions by selecting short duration crops.
• Selection of water conserving crops.

Establishment of seeds and plants in dry farming

Planting seeds is preferable to planting plants in the field of crop establishment.Planting plants is not suitable because the amount of soil is low. When planting seeds, the seeds should be planted with rains, and when planting the seeds, the seeds should be covered with soil and made to receive water. The seeds should be planted at regular intervals.

Advantages of dry farming

• It is a method that can be used for areas with low rainfall.
• It is difficult to use in areas with high winds

Disadvantages of dry farming

• Crops with high water requirements are difficult to cultivate
• Careful management is required.
• More prior knowledge is required

3.symbiotic farming

Using the fruits of one business as raw materials of another business and getting mutual benefits, several agricultural businesses such as crop cultivation, animal husbandry and energy (biogas) production at the same time in the same land is called synergistic farming. This farming method is found in advanced farms.

Among the various farming methods, this is known as the most effective farming method. In this method, there is a natural balance between the methods. Several methods can be seen in this method of farming. Other businesses are established on the basis of the control unit of the farm. The produce of each business comes to the house or the control station of the farm and the by-products of that business are used as raw materials for another business.

The various methods used here are as follows,

• Crop cultivation
• Grazing
• animal husbandry
• Power unit

Advantages of symbiotic farming

• Increase in farm productivity and income
• Risk is low as several businesses are run in the same location.
• Efficient reinvestment of all farm resources such as labor, land, water, equipment, animals, waste, fertilizers etc.
• Minimizing environmental pollution as all waste is recycled.
• Emergence of a sustainable production pattern.
• Being able to produce the energy required for the home because of having a biogas unit.
• A balanced diet for the residents due to availability of various types of agricultural products.

Disadvantages of symbiotic farming

• Increase in basic expenses.
• Need more boomi because several systems are in operation.
• Need for technical knowledge about animal husbandry and crop cultivation.

4.Conservation farming

Conservation farming is the conservation of soil, water, and nutrients in a certain area, so that the biodiversity can be protected by using the same methods.

Grant measures in conservation agriculture

• Reducing the rate of soil erosion by increasing the infiltration capacity of the soil.
• Application of drains for the flow of water
• Application of stone ridges to lands with high soil erosion.
• Use of mulch
• Flooring suitable for the station

Measures adopted to conserve water

• Because high winds increase the rate of water evaporation from the soil, water can be conserved by applying windbreaks.
• Tillage increases soil infiltration and increases soil water holding capacity.
• Selection of crops suitable for soil water level and cultivation of crops.
• Applying organic mulches can reduce the amount of water lost through evapotranspiration.

Measures to be taken to conserve nutrients

• Gradual tillage reduces soil erosion and conserves nutrients.
• Adding organic matter to the soil.
• Minimizing nutrient leaching from soil.
• Nutrient conservation and nutrient cycling through appropriate cropping and cropping patterns.
• Removing from the field and adding to the field only the parts required as harvest.

Actions to be taken to conserve Biodiversity

• Instead of mechanical soil conservation methods, biological methods are used.
• Adoption of agroforestry, crop diversification, intercropping, mixed cropping and multiple cropping systems.
• Integrated pest control

Advantages of conservation farming

1. Absorption of water into the soil by covering the soil.
2. Risk reduction through crop diversification.
3. Reduction in fertilizer use.
4. Mulching reduces water evaporation as well as controlling weeds.
5. Lower production costs due to the use of low-cost inputs.
6. Conservation of Biodiversity.

Disadvantages of Conservation Farming

• Conservation farming uses zero tillage in tillage of steeply sloping land. Since herbicides have to be used to control weeds there, costs are high and environmental pollution occurs.