Field bund raising
In lowland flooded paddy, water loss may occur
mainly due to seepage, percolation loss and runoff.Water flow through and over
bunds around rice fields are primarily responsible for higher water loss,
thereby reducing water productivity.For this, about 50 cm high earthen bund
along with mud plastering allow the water to retain within the field boundary.
These structures are easy to build, reduce runoff and conserve topsoil.However, further raising of field bund from 50 to 75 cm reduces the runoff of
water in heavy rainfall events and provide additional water for groundwater
recharge. Increasing peripheral field bund by 18-20 cm in rice paddy can store
90% of the total rainwater in situ
and simultaneously improve rice productivity.