Suchergebnisse

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Belhatti-3 microwatershedwas conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and these physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characterstics, classification and use potentials of the soils in the microwartershed. The present study covers an area of 400 ha in Shirahatti taluk of Gadag district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought prone with an average annual rainfall of 633 mm of which about 363 mm is received during south –west monsoon, 165 mm during north-east and the remaining 105 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 98 per cent is covered by soils, two per cent by rock lands, waterbodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 11 soil series and 20 soil phases (management units) and 6land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 150days starting from the 3rd week of June to 1rd week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 98 per cent area is suitable for agriculture and two per cent is not suitable for agriculture but well suited for forestry, pasture, agroforestry, silvi-pasture, installation of wind mills and as habitat for wildlife.  About 35 per cent of the soils are very deep (>150 cm) to deep (100 - 150 cm), 27 per cent are moderately shallow to shallow (25-75 cm) and about 36 per cent are moderately deep (75-100 cm) soils.  About 86 per cent of the area has clayey soils at the surface and 13 per cent loamy soils.  About 15 per cent of the area has non-gravelly soils, 60 per cent gravelly soils (15-35 % gravel) and 24 per cent very gravelly (35- 60% gravel) soils.  About 35 per cent of the area has soils that are very high (>200mm/m) in available water capacity, 47 per cent medium (100-150 mm/m) and about 16 per cent low (50-100 mm/m) and very low (9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly 337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (20 ppm).  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about 58 per cent area, 27 per cent medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) and 13 per cent high (>1.0 ppm).  Available iron, manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils.  About 70 per cent area has soils that are deficient (0.6 ppm).  The land suitability for 21 major crops grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 114 (28) 232 (58) Jackfruit - - Maize 5 (1) - Jamun - 97 (24) Bengalgram 185 (46) 161 (40) Musambi 141 (35) 144 (36) Groundnut - 5 (1) Lime 141 (35) 144 (36) Sunflower 88 (22) 180 (45) Cashew - 5 (1) Cotton 90 (22) 268 (65) Custard Apple 171 (43) 165 (41) Banana - 5 (1) Amla 114 (28) 247 (62) Pomegranate 5 (1) 312 (78) Tamarind - 141 (35) Mango 13 (3) - Marigold 5 (1) 346 (87) Sapota - 144 (36) Chrysanthemum 5 (1) 346 (87) Guava - 113 (28) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 6 identified LMUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fibre and horticulture crops.  Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Belhatti-3 micro-watershed (Belhatti sub-watershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) is located in between 1503' – 1504' North latitudes and 75038' – 75040' East longitudes, covering an area of about 400 ha, bounded by Belhatti, Konchigeri, Suganhalli and Hosur villages with length of growing period (LGP) 150-180 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for the Belhatti-3 micro-watershed (Belhatti subwatershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 55.6 to 44.4 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is around 67.7 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population among all the sample households.  Social groups belong to other backward caste (OBC) is around 40 per cent.  Fire wood is the source of energy for a cooking among 50 per cent.  About 20 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  Majority of farm households (20%) are having MGNREGA card for rural employment.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system is around 80 per cent.  Swach bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 50 per cent of sample households.  Rural migration to unban centre for employment is prevalent is around 10 per cent of farm households.  Women participation in decisions making for agriculture production among all the sample households was found. Economic Indicators;  The average land holding is 1.41 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to marginal and small farmers. The total cultivatable area is dry land condition of the sample households. 2  Agriculture is the main occupation among 6.25 per cent and agriculture is the main and agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 78.13 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs. 16410 per household. Mobile and television are popular media mass communication.  The average value of farm assets is around Rs. 91967 per household, about 20 per cent of sample farmers having tractor and weeder.  The average value of livestock is around Rs. 35000 per household; about 46 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 1068 grams (2274.4 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Around 20 per cent of sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs.7562 per household. Among all farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita average monthly expenditure is around Rs.2458. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs. 1015 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs. 399971 per year for the total area of 400 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs 1464 /ha/year. Per hectare food grain production services is maximum in green gram (Rs. 1979) followed by ground nut (Rs. 948) and maize is negative returns.  The average value of ecosystem service for fodder production is around Rs. 3265/ ha/year. Per hectare fodder production services is maximum in maize (Rs. 6307) followed by ground nut (Rs. 3057) and green gram (Rs. 431).  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was maximum in maize (Rs. 38406) followed by green gram (Rs. 33090) and ground nut (Rs. 23812). Economic Land Evaluation;  The major cropping pattern is maize (66.4 %) followed by green gram (30.6 %) and ground nut (3.0 %).  In Belhatti-3 micro-watershed, major soil is soil of alluvial landscape of Soil of granite and granite gneiss landscape of Muttal (MTL) are also having shallow soil depth cover around 7.9 % of area, the main crops are maize. Ravanaki (RNK) series are also moderately shallow soil depth cover around 6.56 % of 3 area the crops are ground nut (72.1 %) and maize (27.9 %). Lakshmanagudda (LGD) series is having deep soil depth cover around 5.2% of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing maize. Budagumpa (BGP) soil series having very deep soil depth cover around 7.7 % of areas, crops are green gram (91.1%) and ground nut (8.9 %). Soils of schist landscape Varavi (VRV) soil series having moderately deep soil depth cover around 27.0 % of area, crops are maize. Jelligere (JLG) soil series are having deep soil depth cover around 7.8 % of area. The major crops grown are maize.  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for maize ranges between Rs.98939/ha in RNK soil (with BCR of 0.96) and Rs.15434/ha in LGD soil (with BCR of 1.14).  In groundnut the cost of cultivation range between Rs 42653/ha in RNK soil (with BCR of 1.11) and Rs.36765/ha in BGP soil (with BCR of 1.08).  In green gram the cost of cultivation in BGP soil is Rs. 14791/ha (with BCR of 1.16).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications in deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation.  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households.  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in maize (23.7 to 85.6 %), ground nut (42.7 to 57.1 %) and green gram (43.9 %). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Belhatti-4 microwatershedwas conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and these physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characterstics, classification and use potentials of the soils in the microwartershed. The present study covers an area of 400 ha in Shirahatti taluk of Gadag district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought prone with an average annual rainfall of 633 mm of which about 363 mm is received during south –west monsoon, 165 mm during north-east and the remaining 105 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 98 per cent is covered by soils, two per cent by rock lands, waterbodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 11 soil series and 20 soil phases (management units) and 6 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 150 days starting from the 3rd week of June to 1rd week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 98 per cent area is suitable for agriculture and two per cent is not suitable for agriculture but well suited for forestry, pasture, agroforestry, silvi-pasture, installation of wind mills and as habitat for wildlife.  About 35 per cent of the soils are very deep (>150 cm) to deep (100 - 150 cm), 27 per cent are moderately shallow to shallow (25-75 cm) and about 36 per cent are moderately deep (75-100 cm) soils.  About 86 per cent of the area has clayey soils at the surface and 13 per cent loamy soils.  About 15 per cent of the area has non-gravelly soils, 60 per cent gravelly soils (15-35 % gravel) and 24 per cent very gravelly (35- 60% gravel) soils.  About 35 per cent of the area has soils that are very high (>200mm/m) in available water capacity, 47 per cent medium (100-150 mm/m) and about 16 per cent low (50-100 mm/m) and very low (9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly 337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (20 ppm).  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about 58 per cent area, 27 per cent medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) and 13 per cent high (>1.0 ppm).  Available iron, manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils.  About 70 per cent area has soils that are deficient (0.6 ppm).  The land suitability for 21 major crops grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 114 (28) 232 (58) Jackfruit - 15 (4) Maize 5 (1) - Jamun - 213 (55) Bengalgram 185 (46) 161 (40) Musambi - 179 (46) Groundnut - 5 (1) Lime 15 (4) 189 (48) Sunflower 88 (22) 180 (45) Cashew - 36 (9) Cotton 90 (22) 268 (65) Custard Apple 17 (4) 225 (58) Banana - 5 (1) Amla 17 (4) 217(56) Pomegranate 5 (1) 312 (78) Tamarind 15 (4) 198 (51) Mango 13 (3) - Marigold 5 (1) 346 (87) Sapota - 144 (36) Chrysanthemum 5 (1) 346 (87) Guava - 113 (28) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 6 identified LMUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fibre and horticulture crops.  Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Belhatti-4 micro-watershed (Belhatti 4 sub-watershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) is located in between 1502' – 1504' North latitudes and 75037' – 75039' East longitudes, covering an area of about 390 ha, bounded by Belhatti, Konchigeri, Chikasavanur and Narayanpur villages with length of growing period (LGP) 150-180 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for the Belhatti-4 micro-watershed (Belhatti subwatershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 60.8 to 39.2 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is around 74.5 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population is around 80.4 per cent.  Social groups belong to other backward caste (OBC) is around 80 per cent.  Fire wood is the source of energy for a cooking among 70.0 per cent.  About 40 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  Majority of farm households (50 %) are having MGNREGA card for rural employment.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system is around 60 per cent.  Swach bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 80 per cent of sample households.  Rural migration to urban centre for employment is prevalent among 10.0 per cent of farm households. Economic Indicators;  The average land holding is 2.0 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to small and medium farmers. The dry land of 20.1 per cent and irrigated land of 6 per cent of total cultivated land area among the sample farmers. 2  Agriculture is the main occupation among 19.9 per cent and agriculture is the main and non agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 60.9 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs.12575 per household. Mobile and television are mass popular media mass communication.  The average value of farm assets is around Rs.75292 per household, about 40 per cent of sample farmers bullock cart and plough (30 %).  The average value of livestock is around Rs. 3600 per household; about 61.5 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 828.0 grams (1796.0 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Around 50 per cent of sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs.13601 per household. Among all sample farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita monthly average expenditure is around Rs.1219. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs. 866 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs. 329879 per year for the total area of 389.9 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs. 5059/ha/year. Per hectare food grain production services is maximum in cotton (Rs. 10175) followed by maize (Rs. 8882), horse gram (Rs. 3533), groundnut (Rs 2122) and sorghum (Rs. 582).  The average value of ecosystem service for fodder production is around Rs. 954/ ha/year. Per hectare fodder production services is maximum in horse gram (Rs. 1317) followed by sorghum (Rs. 988), maize (Rs. 970), cotton (Rs. 823) and groundnut (Rs. 542).  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was maximum in cotton (Rs. 39806) followed by sorghum (Rs. 27604), horse gram (Rs. 25342), maize (Rs. 25036), and groundnut (Rs. 21960). Economic Land Evaluation;  The major cropping pattern is maize (58.9 %) followed by Groundnut (22.8 %), cotton (6.1 %), horse gram (6.1 %) and sorghum (6.1%). 3  In Belhatti 4 micro-watershed, major soil of alluvial landscape of KLK series is having very shallow soil deep on this soil farmers are presently growing maize and sorghum. BMD soil series are also having shallow soil depth the crops are groundnut (56.2 %) and maize (43.8 %). KPR soil series are having deep soil depth, crops are cotton (50.0 %) and sorghum (50.0 %). BGP and NGT soil series very deep soil depth, crops are maize and groundnut.  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for maize ranges between Rs. 23883/ha in KLP soil (with BCR of 1.33) and Rs.13204/ha in NBP soil (with BCR of 1.50).  In groundnut range between Rs. 34464/ha in NGT soil (with BCR of 1.15) and Rs.21051/ha in BLD soil (with BCR of 1.26).  In sunflower the cost of cultivation ranges between Rs. 39247/ha in DRL soil (with BCR of 1.1) and Rs. 17619/ha in NSP soil (with BCR of 2.36).  In hors gram the cost of cultivation Rs. 26605/ha in NBP soil (with BCR of 1.50).  In cotton the cost of cultivation is Rs.30226/ha in KPR soil (with BCR of 1.08).  In bengal gram the cost of cultivation rage between is Rs. 26508/ha in DRL soil (with BCR of 1.68) and Rs.18518/ha in NSP soil (with BCR of 1.68).  In sorghum the cost of cultivation Rs. 17531/ha in KPR soil (with BCR of 1.08).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications in deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation.  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households.  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in Groundnut (56.6 to 72.8 %), maize (80.9 to 61 %), (8.6 to 11.3 %), cotton (56.6 %), horse gram (42.2 %) and sorghum (15.7 %). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Belhatti-6 Microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and these physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundaries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characteristics, classification and use potentials of the soils in the microwartershed. The present study covers an area of 468 ha in Shirahatti taluk of Gadag district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought prone with an average annual rainfall of 633 mm of which about 363 mm is received during south –west monsoon, 165 mm during north-east and the remaining 105 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 98 per cent is covered by soils, two per cent by rock lands, waterbodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 13 soil series and 30 soil phases (management units) and 8 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 150 days starting from the 3rd week of June to 1rd week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 98 per cent area is suitable for agriculture and 150 cm) to deep (100 - 150 cm), 41 per cent are moderately shallow to shallow (25-75 cm) and about 18 per cent are moderately deep (75-100 cm) soils.  About 78 per cent of the area has clayey soils at the surface and 20 per cent loamy soils.  About 15 per cent of the area has non-gravelly soils, 47 per cent gravelly soils (15- 35 % gravel) and 37 per cent very gravelly (35- 60% gravel) and extremely gravelly (60-80%) soils.  About 22 per cent of the area has soils that are very high (>200mm/m) in available water capacity, 3 per cent medium (101-150 mm/m) and about 72 per cent low (51- 100 mm/m) and very low (9.0) and 10 percent has soils that area neutral (pH 6.5-7.3).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly 337 kg/ha) in available potassium and low in about 1 per cent area.  Available sulphur is low (20 ppm).  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about 98 per cent area.  Available iron is deficient in about 16 per cent area and sufficient in 82 per cent area.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils.  Available zinc is sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in entire area of the microwatershed.  The land suitability for 21 major crops grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the Microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suita ble (S1) Moderate ly suit abl e (S2) Highly sui tab le (S1) Moderatel y suit able (S2) Sorghum 46 (10) 246 (53) Jackfruit - 78 (17) Maize 46 (10) 220 (47) Jamun - 183 (39) Bengalgram 4 (<1) 428 (92) Musambi 11 (2) 231 (49) Groundnut 11 (2) 176 (38) Lime 11 (2) 240 (51) Sunflower 11 (2) 173 (37) Cashew 11 (2) 236 (50) Cotton 15 (3) 336 (72) Custard Apple 46 (10) 327 (70) Banana 11 (2) 301 (64) Amla 46 (10) 266 (57) Pomegranat 11 (2) 301 (64) Tamarind - 183 (39) e Mango - 11 (2) Marigold 42 (9) 272 (58) Sapota 11 (2) 135(29) Chrysanthemu m 42 (9) 272 (58) Guava 11 (2) 131 (28) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 8 identified LMUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fibre and horticulture crops.  Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Belhatti-6 micro-watershed (Belhatti sub-watershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) is located in between 1503' – 1505' North latitudes and 75036' – 75039' East longitudes, covering an area of about 468 ha, bounded by Nilogal, Kurubgatta, Devihal and Bijjur villages with length of growing period (LGP) 150-180 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for the Belhatti-6 micro-watershed (Belhatti subwatershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 55.6 to 44.4 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is around 52.8 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population is around 97.2 per cent.  Social groups belong to scheduled caste (SC) is around 9.1 per cent.  Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is the source of energy for a cooking among 63.6 cent.  About 45.5 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  Majority of farm households (36.4 %) are having MGNREGA card for rural employment.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system is around 63.6 per cent.  Swach bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 90.9 per cent of sample households.  Institutional participation is only 6.4 per cent of sample households.  Women participation in decisions making are around 90.9 per cent of households were found. 2 Economic Indicators;  The average land holding is 2.4 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to small and medium farmers. The dry land of 46.7 % and irrigated land 13.7 % of total cultivated land area among the sample farmers.  Agriculture is the main occupation among 56.9 per cent and agriculture is the main and agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 29.2 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs. 92494 per household. Mobile and television are popular mass media communication.  The average value of farm assets is around Rs. 121609 per household, about 72.7 per cent of sample farmers having plough and sprayer (45.5 %).  The average value of livestock is around Rs. 29198 per household; about 81 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capital food consumption is around 853.9 grams (1798.6 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Around 36.4 per cent of sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs. 20120 per household. Among the entire farm households in these study area comes under the below poverty line.  The per capita monthly average expenditure is around Rs.1365. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs. 635 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs. 296230 per year for the total area of 468.28 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs. 9324/ ha/year. Per hectare food grain production services is maximum in onion (Rs. 22221) followed by chilli (Rs. 20671), cotton (Rs. 13608), bengal gram (Rs. 7344), maize (Rs. 4623), sorghum (Rs. 1311) and groundnut is negative returns.  The average value of ecosystem service for fodder production is around Rs. 1573/ ha/year. Per hectare fodder production services is maximum in maize (Rs. 1806) followed by sorghum (Rs. 1339).  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was maximum in bengal gram (Rs. 39669) followed by cotton (Rs. 34831), sorghum (Rs. 23705), maize (Rs. 23676), groundnut (Rs. 18488), onion (Rs. 16598) and chilli (Rs. 3833). 3 Economic Land Evaluation;  The major cropping pattern is maize (48.7 %) followed by sorghum (16.7 %), onion (11.2 %), bengalgram (9.7%), groundnut (7.8 %) and cotton (6.0 %).  In Belhatti-6 micro-watershed major soil of Muttal (MTL) soils series are having shallow soil depth cover around 10.5 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing bengalgram (9.1%), chilli (17.9 %), cotton (16.9 %), maize (16.9 %), onion (18.0 %) and sorghum (21.2%). Ravanki (RNK) soils are having moderately shallow soil depth cover around 12.81 % of area; the major crops are maize. Chikkamegheri (CKM) series having moderately deep soil depth cover around 6.66 % of areas; crops are maize (80 %) and onion (20 %). Balapur (BPR) series are having deep soil depth cover around 14.32 % of area; crops are groundnut (25 %), sorghum (75 %) and Lakshmangudda (LGD) series having deep soil depth cover around 14.84 % of area, the major crops grown are groundnut (37.1%), maize (35.3 %) and sorghum (27.6 %).  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for maize ranges between Rs.25791/ha in RNK soil (with BCR of 1.13) and Rs.21143/ha in LGD soil (with BCR of 1.31).  In sorghum the cost of cultivation range between Rs 20790/ha in BPR soil (with BCR of 1.00) and Rs.13082/ha in MTL soil (with BCR of 1.01).  In onion the cost of cultivation ranges between Rs.54232/ha in CKM soil (with BCR of 1.35) and Rs. 20322/ha in MTL soil (with BCR of 1.14).  In groundnut cost of cultivation range between is Rs.45590/ha in BPR soil (with BCR of 1.00) and Rs. 31872 in LGD soil (with BCR of 1.02).  In chilli the cost of cultivation in MTL soil is Rs 21836/ha (with BCR of 1.65).  In bengal gram the cost of cultivation in MTL soil is Rs.22526/ha (with BCR of 1.33) and cotton the cost of cultivation in MTL soil is Rs.21836/ha (with BCR of 1.62).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications in deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation. 4  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households.  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in maize (74 to 79.7%), sorghum (64.8 to 85.9%), onion (59.5 to 90.5%), groundnut (56.6 to65.6%), chilli (96.3 %), cotton (49.4%) and bengalgram (60.8 %) ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Konchigeri Microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and these physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundaries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characteristics, classification and use potentials of the soils in the microwartershed. The present study covers an area of 479 ha in Konchigeri microwatershed in Shirahatti taluk of Gadag district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought prone with an average annual rainfall of 633 mm. Maximum of 363 mm precipitation takes place during south–west monsoon period from June to September, the north-east monsoon contributes about 165 mm and prevails from October to early December and the remaining 105 mm takes place during the rest of the year. An area of about 94 per cent is covered by soils, six per cent by waterbodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 16 soil series and 26 soil phases (management units) and 6 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 150 days starting from the 3rd week of June to 3rd week of November.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 94 per cent area is suitable for agriculture and 6 per cent is not suitable for agriculture but well suited for forestry, pasture, agroforestry, silvi-pasture, recreation, installation of wind mills and as habitat for wildlife.  About 26 per cent of the soils are very deep (>150 cm) to deep (100 - 150 cm), 20 per cent moderately deep (75 - 100 cm), 49 per cent are moderately shallow to shallow (25-75 cm).  About 73 per cent of the area has clayey soils and 22 per cent loamy soils at the surface.  About 14 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (200mm/m) in available water capacity, 14 per cent medium (101-150 mm/m) and about 64 per cent low (51-100 mm/m) and very low (9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly 337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (20 ppm).  Available boron is low (4.5 ppm).  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils.  Available zinc content is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in the entire microwatershed area.  The land suitability for 21 major crops (agricultural and horticultural) grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 130 (27) 114 (24) Jackfruit - 16 (3) Maize 32 (7) 59 (12) Jamun - 81 (17) Bengal gram 32(7) 330 (69) Musambi 24 (5) 159 (33) Groundnut 32 (7) 59 (12) Lime 24 (5) 162 (34) Sunflower 16 (12) 213 (44) Cashew - 94 (20) Cotton 16 (3) 286 (60) Custard apple 82 (17) 136 (28) Banana 16 (3) 214(44) Amla 130 (27) 133(28) Pomegranate 16 (3) 214 (44) Tamarind 87 (16) 153 (32) Mango - 69 (14) Marigold 16 (3) 287 (60) Guava 16 (3) 105 (22) Chrysanthamum 16 (3) 287 (60) Sapota - 85 (18) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 6 identified LMUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fibre and horticulture crops that helps in maintaining the ecological balance in the microwatershed.   Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and sub-marginal lands and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Konchigeri micro-watershed (Belhatti sub-watershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) is located in between 1502' – 1504' North latitudes and 75036' – 75039' East longitudes, covering an area of about 322 ha, bounded by Belhatti, Chikasavanur, Konchigeri and Kokkaragundi villages with length of growing period (LGP) 150-180 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for the Konchigeri micro-watershed (Belhatti subwatershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 61.9 to 38.1 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is around 68.3 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population is around 73 per cent.  Social groups belong to other backward caste (OBC) is around 83.3 per cent.  Liquefied petroleum gas is the source of energy for a cooking among 58.3 per cent.  About 58.3 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  Majority of farm households (58.3 %) are having MGNREGA card for rural employment.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system is around 58.3 per cent.  Swach bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 91.7 per cent of sample households.  Institutional participation is only 2.0 per cent of sample households.  Rural migration to unban centre for employment is prevalent among 9.5 per cent of farm households.  Women participation in decisions making are around 50 per cent of households were found. 2 Economic Indicators;  The average land holding is 2.63 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to small and medium farmers. The dry land of 59.6 % and irrigated land 40.4 % of total cultivated land area among the sample farmers.  Agriculture is the main occupation among 19.5 per cent and agriculture is the main and agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 47.6 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs. 18096 per household. Mobile and television are popular mass media communication.  The average value of farm assets is around Rs. 7153 per household, about 25.0 per cent of sample farmers having bullock cart and weeder.  The average value of livestock is around Rs. 30000 per household; about 21 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 1190.2 grams (2504.2 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Around 91.7 per cent of sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs. 32531 per household. About 83.3 per cent of farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita monthly average expenditure is around Rs. 1753. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs. 439 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs. 199024per year for the total area of 479.10 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs. 2784/ ha/year. Per hectare food grain production services is maximum in groundnut (Rs. 14296) followed by maize (Rs. 7735), cotton (Rs. 6392) and greengram (Rs. 3926) and redgram negative returns.  The average value of ecosystem service for fodder production is around Rs. 1969/ ha/year. Per hectare fodder production services is maximum in greengram (Rs. 2129) followed by maize (Rs. 1919) and groundnut (Rs. 1857).  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was maximum in cotton (Rs. 59710), greengram (Rs. 58820), red gram (Rs. 47063), sunflower (Rs. 25833) and maize (Rs. 22536). 3 Economic Land Evaluation;  The present dominant crops grown in dry lands in the study area were by maize (87.4 %) followed by groundnut (4.9 %), cotton (4.4 %) and greengram (3.4 %).  In Konchigeri micro-watershed, major soil are Ravanki (RNK) soil series having shallow soil depth covers around 20.35 % of area the major crops are maize. Kutegoudanahundi (KGH) series having moderately shallow soil depth 6.88 % area. The crop is greengram and maize. Muttal (MTL) series having shallow soil depth (3.25 %), the main crop is maize. Mukhadahalli (MKH) series having moderately shallow soil depth cover around 5.85 % area, the main crop are maize and redgram. Gollarahatti (GHT) series having moderately deep soil depth cover around (4.04 %), Kanchikere (KKR) series having moderately deep soil depth covers around (7.24 %), Balapur (BPR) and Lakshmanagudda (LGD) series having deep soil depth covers around 3.20 and 6.63 per cent of area respectively, maize is the main crop of both areas.  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for maize range between Rs 25504/ha in BGP soil (with BCR of 1.02) and Rs 8502/ha in RNK soil (with BCR of 2.89).  In redgram the cost of cultivation in MKH soil Rs. 40040/ha (with BCR of 0.54).  In groundnut the cost of cultivation in KKR soil Rs.32132/ha (with BCR of 1.50).  In cotton the cost of cultivation Rs. 30658/ha in BPR soil (with BCR of 1.21) and green gram the cost of cultivation Rs.30143/ha in KGH soil (with BCR of 1.20).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications in deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation.  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households. 4  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in maize (73.5 to 83.0 %), ground nut (45.6 %), red gram (29.1 %), cotton (13.2 %) and green gram (0.3 %). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Kokkaragundi-3 Microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and the physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundaries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characterstics, classification and use potentials of the soils in the microwartershed. The present study covers an area of 322 ha. in Kokkaragundi-3 microwatershed in Shirahatti taluk of Gadag district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought prone with an average annual rainfall of 633 mm.The north-east monsoon contributes about 165 mm and prevails from October to early December, maximum of 363 mm precipitation takes place during south–west monsoon period from June to September and the remaining 105 mm takes place during the rest of the year. An area of about 95 per cent is covered by soils, five per cent by waterbodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 15 soil series and 26 soil phases (management units) and 6land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 150 days starting from the 3rd week of June to 3rd week of November.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 95 per cent area is suitable for agriculture and 5 per cent is not suitable for agriculture but well suited for forestry, pasture, agro forestry, silvi-pasture, recreation, installation of wind mills and as habitat for wildlife.  About 39 per cent of the soils are very deep (>150 cm), deep (100 - 150 cm) to moderately deep (75 - 100 cm), 41per cent are moderately shallow to shallow (25-75 cm) and about 15 per cent are very shallow (200mm/m) in available water capacity, less than one per cent medium (100-150 mm/m) and about 56 per cent low (50-100 mm/m) and very low (9).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly 337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (20 ppm).  Available boron is low (4.5 ppm).  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils.  Available zinc content is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in the entire microwatershed area  The land suitability for 21 major crops (agricultural and horticultural) grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 75 (23) 82 (25) Jackfruit - 13 (4) Maize - 32 (10) Jamun - 124 (37) Bengal gram 69 (22) 132 (41) Musambi 56 (17) 68 (21) Ground nut - 140 (43) Lime 56 (17) 61 (19) Sunflower 67 (21) 101 (31) Cashew - - Cotton 50 (15) 140 (28) Custard apple 58 (17) 74 (24) Banana - 125 (39) Amla 56 (17) 71(22) Pomegranate - 125 (39) Tamarind - 113 (35) Mango - - Marigold - 150 (47) Guava - - Chrysanthamum 150 (47) Sapota - - Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 6 identified LMUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fibre and horticulture crops that helps in maintaining the ecological balance in microwatershed  Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and sub-marginal lands and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Kokkaragundi-3 micro-watershed (Belhatti sub-watershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) is located in between 1501' – 1503' North latitudes and 75036' – 75038' East longitudes, covering an area of about 322 ha, bounded by Budihal, Belhatti, Hosur and Balehosur villages with length of growing period (LGP) 150-180 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for the Kokkaragundi-3 micro-watershed (Belhatti sub-watershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 52.2 to 47.8 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is around 60.9 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population is around 84.8 per cent.  Social groups belong to scheduled caste (SC) is around 10 per cent.  Liquefied petroleum gas is the major source of energy for a cooking among 70 per cent.  About 50 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  Majority of farm households (70 %) are having MGNREGA card for rural employment.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system is around 90 per cent.  Swachha bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 80 per cent of sample households.  Rural migration to unban centre for employment is prevalent among 4.3 per cent of farm households.  Women participation in decisions making is around among all the households were found. 2 Economic Indicators;  The average land holding is 1.56 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to small and medium farmers. The dry land of 83.9 % and irrigated land 16.1 % of total cultivated land area among the sample farmers.  Agriculture is the main occupation among 4.76 per cent and agriculture is the main and agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 83.33 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs.13417 per household. Mobile and television are popular mass media communication.  The average value of farm assets is around Rs.137806 per household, about 40 per cent of sample farmers having plough and bullock cart.  The average value of livestock is around Rs.17208 per household; about 53 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 840 grams (1772.9 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Around 100 per cent of sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs.12100 per household. About 80 per cent of farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita monthly average expenditure is around Rs.1646. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs. 443 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs. 136065 per year for the total area of 322.24 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs 12662/ha/year in maize.  The average value of ecosystem service for fodder production is around Rs. 3337/ ha/year in maize.  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was in maize (Rs. 27169). Economic Land Evaluation;  The major cropping pattern is maize (100 %).  In Kokkaragundi-3 micro-watershed, major soil is Kabulayathakatti (KLK) series is having very shallow soil depth cover around 15.28 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing maize, Attikatti (AKT) soils are also having shallow soil depth cover 0.44 %, Nabhapur (NBP) soil series having shallow 3 soil depth cover around 17.20 % of areas, Harve (HRV) soil series having shallow soil depth cover around 11.43 % of area, Kalasapur (KPR) soil series are having deep soil depth cover around 8.12% of area, respectively and Nagavi Tanda (NGT) soil series are having very deep soil depth covers around 7.42 % of area, all these are soil series major crop is maize.  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for maize ranges between Rs.37277/ha in KPR soil (with BCR of 3.08) and Rs.9961/ha in HRV soil (with BCR of 2.85).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications in deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation.  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households.  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in maize (33.4 to79.2%). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Bijjur-2 Microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and the physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characterstics, classification and use potentials of the soils in the microwartershed. The present study covers an area of 440 ha in Shirahatti taluk of Gadag district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought prone with an average annual rainfall of 633 mm of which about 363 mm is received during south –west monsoon, 165 mm during north-east and the remaining 105 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 94 per cent is covered by soils, 6 per cent by waterbodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 10 soil series and 23 soil phases (management units) and 5 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 150 days starting from the 3rd week of June to 1st week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated for 21 crops.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 94 per cent area in the microwatershed is suitable for agriculture.  About 59 per cent are moderately shallow to shallow (25-75 cm) and 35 per cent are very shallow (25-75 cm).  About 85 per cent of the area has clayey soils and 10 per cent are loamy soils at the surface.  About 7 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly 337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (20 ppm) in about 3 per cent area.  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about 75 per cent area and 19 per cent medium (0.5-1.0 ppm).  Available iron is low (0.6 ppm) in available zinc.  The land suitability for 21 major crops grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum - 54 (12) Jackfruit - - Maize - 69 (16) Jamun - - Bengal gram 17 (4) 244 (55) Musambi - - Groundnut - 14 (3) Lime - - Sunflower - 14 (3) Cashew - - Cotton - 70 (16) Custard Apple - 54 (12) Banana - - Amla - 54 (12) Pomegranate - - Tamarind - - Mango - - Marigold - 69 (16) Sapota - - Chrysanthemum - 69 (16) Guava - - Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 5 identified LMUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fibre and horticulture crops.  Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Bijjur-2 micro-watershed (Kanakvad sub-watershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) is located in between 1500' – 1502' North latitudes and 75037' – 75039' East longitudes, covering an area of about 440 ha, bounded by Kokkaragundi, Belhatti, Tangod and Kerikoppa villages with a length of growing period (LGP) 150-180 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for the Bijjur-2 micro-watershed (Kanakvad subwatershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 56.8 to 43.2 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is around 56.8 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population is around 86.4 per cent.  Social groups belong to other backward caste (OBC) is around 62.5 per cent.  Fire wood is the source of energy for a cooking among 62.5 per cent.  About 37.5 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  Majority of farm households (50%) are having MGNREGA card for rural employment.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system is around 50 per cent.  Swachha bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 75 per cent of sample households.  Institutional participation is only 6.8 per cent of sample households.  Rural migration to urban centre for employment is prevalent among 2.3 per cent of farm households.  Women participation in decisions making are around 75 per cent of households were found. 2 Economic Indicators;  The average land holding is 3.84 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to small and medium farmers. The dry land of 86.8 % and irrigated land 13.2 % of total cultivated land area among the sample farmers.  Agriculture is the main occupation among 36.6 per cent and agriculture is the main and agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 40.0 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs. 109150 per household. Mobile and television are popular media mass communication.  The average value of farm assets is around Rs. 113050 per household, about 37.5 per cent of sample farmers having plough and seed cum fertiliser drill.  The average value of livestock is around Rs. 35250 per household; about 80 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 820 grams (1750.5 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Among all sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs.27056 per household. About 87.5 per cent of farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita monthly average expenditure is around Rs.1328. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs. 912 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs. 378298 per year for the total area of 440.44 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs. 10000/ ha/year. Per hectare food grain production services is maximum in onion (Rs. 25205) followed by cotton (Rs. 15991), ground nut (Rs. 5221), sorghum (Rs. 5074), sunflower (Rs. 2215) and maize (Rs. 1264).  The average value of ecosystem service for fodder production is around groundnut is (Rs. 8028) followed by maize (Rs. 2261) and sorghum (Rs. 988).  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was maximum in cotton (Rs. 49758) fallowed by sunflower (Rs. 22675), onion (Rs. 22675), maize (Rs. 20980), sorghum (Rs. 20076) and groundnut (Rs. 17179). 3 Economic Land Evaluation;  The major cropping pattern is maize (74.6 %) followed by sorghum (6.6 %), ground nut (5.3 %), onion (5.3 %), sunflower (4.4 %) and onion (4.0 %).  In Bijjur-2 micro-watershed, major soil are banded ferruginous quartzite (BFQ) landscape of series Shirol (SRL) series is having very shallow soil depth cover around 21.2 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing maize (86.2 %) and ground nut (13.8 %), Soratur (SRT) soil series are also having very shallow soil depth cover 3.1 % of area, the main crops are maize. Soil of banded ferruginous quartzite (BFQ) landscape Nabhapur (NBP) soil series having shallow soil depth cover around 13.7 % of areas, crops are cotton (50.0 %) and maize (50.0 %). Attikatti (AKT) soil series are having shallow soil depth cover around 21.0 % of area. The major crops grown are maize (57.1 %), sorghum (21.3 %) and sunflower (22.5%). Attikatti Tanda (ATT) soil series are having moderately shallow soil depth covers around 9.1 % of area, the major crop grown is maize (87.6 %) and onion (12.4 %).  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for maize ranges between Rs. 25826/ha in ATT soil (with BCR of 1.16) and Rs. 14366/ha in AKT soil (with BCR of 1.53).  In onion the cost of cultivation range between Rs. 68636/ha in ATT soil (with of 1.19) and Rs.47678/ha in NBP soil (with BCR of 1.66).  In groundnut the cost of cultivation in SRL soil is Rs. 28742/ha (with BCR of 1.46).  In cotton the cost of cultivation in NBP soil is Rs. 31556/ha (with BCR of 1.51).  In sunflower the cost of cultivation in AKT soil is Rs.19341/ha (with BCR of 1.11) and sorghum the cost of cultivation in AKT soil is Rs. 14686/ha (with BCR of 1.41).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications in deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation.  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices. 4  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households.  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in maize (76.3 to 84 %), onion (59.5 to 72.2 %), ground nut (63.9 %), cotton (27.7 %), sorghum (76.5 %) and sunflower (58.6 %) ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Hosur-2 microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and these physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characterstics, classification and use potentials of the soils in the microwartershed. The present study covers an area of 487 ha in Shirahatti taluk of Gadag district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought prone with an average annual rainfall of 633 mm of which about 363 mm is received during south –west monsoon, 165 mm during north-east and the remaining 105 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 96 per cent is covered by soils, four per cent by waterbodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 6 soil series and 13 soil phases (management units) and 5 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 150 days starting from the 3rd week of June to 1st week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 98 per cent area is suitable for agriculture.  About 19 per cent of the soils are deep (100 - 150 cm) to moderately deep (75-100 cm), 76 per cent are moderately shallow to shallow (25-75 cm) and about 3 per cent are very shallow (200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  About 95 per cent area has gently to very gently sloping (1-5% slope) lands and 3 per cent is under gently sloping (3-5%) lands.  An area of about 49 per cent has soils that are slightly eroded (e1), 46 per cent moderately eroded (e2) and 3 per cent soils severely eroded (e3).  An area of about 22 per cent has soils that are slightly to moderately alkaline (pH 7.3 to 8.4) and 75 per cent strongly to very strongly alkaline (pH 8.4 to >9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly 0.75%) in organic carbon.  Entire area is low (337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is medium (10-20 ppm) in about 53 per cent area and 44 per cent area is high (>20 ppm).  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about 89 per cent area, medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 8 per cent area and high (>1.0 ppm) in 1 per cent area.  Available iron is deficient in about 3 per cent area and sufficient in 95 per cent area.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  The land suitability for 21 major crops grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, price and finally the demand and supply position. SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Hosur-2 micro-watershed (Kanakvad sub-watershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) is located in between 1501' – 1503' North latitudes and 75039' – 75041' East longitudes, covering an area of about 487 ha, bounded by Chikasavanur, Narayanapur, Vadi and Kognur villages with length of growing period (LGP)150-180 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for the Hosur-2 micro-watershed (Kanakvad subwatershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 60 to 40 Per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is 53.2 around per cent to the total population.  Literacy population is around 49 per cent.  Social groups belong to other backward caste (OBC) is around 60 percent and general caste about 20 percent.  Fire wood is the source of energy for a cooking among 90.0 per cent.  About 60.0 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  About 70 per cent of farm households are having MGNREGA card for rural employment.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system is around 90 per cent.  Swach bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 90 per cent of sample households.  Institutional participation is only 2.3 per cent of sample households.  Women participation in decisions making are around 90 per cent of households were found. 2 Economic Indicators;  The average land holding is 1.60 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to small and medium farmers. The dry land of 81.7 per cent and irrigated land 18.3 per cent of total cultivated land area among the sample farmers.  Agriculture is the main occupation among 37.8 per cent and agriculture is the main and agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 60 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs. 12322 per household. Mobile and television are popular media mass communication.  The average value of farm assets is around Rs. 6919 per household, about 30 per cent of sample farmers having weeder and plough.  The average value of livestock is around Rs. 26100 per household; about 58.3 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 935.1 grams (1980 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Around 40 per cent of sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs. 26210 per household. About 90.0 per cent of farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita average monthly expenditure is around Rs.1223. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs. 931 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs. 443210 per year for the total area of 487 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs. 15168/ ha/year. Per hectare food grain production services is maximum in maize (Rs. 5024) followed by sorghum (Rs. 24982), onion (Rs. 53475), horse gram and cotton negative returns.  The average value of ecosystem service for fodder production is around Rs. 1227/ ha/year. Per hectare fodder production services is maximum in maize (Rs. 2779), horse gram (Rs.1372) and sorghum (Rs. 732).  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was maximum in cotton (Rs. 54734) followed by horse gram (Rs. 28158), maize (Rs. 24365), onion (Rs. 24546) and sorghum (Rs. 41825). 3 Economic Land Evaluation;  The major cropping pattern is maize (70.2 %) followed by sorghum (13.6), onion (10.8 %), horse gram (2.7 %) and cotton (2.5 %).  In Hosur-2 micro-watershed, major soils are Attikatti (AKT) series are shallow soil depth cover around 16.6 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing cotton (23.4%) and maize (76.6 %). Yelisirunj (YSJ) soils are shallow soil depth cover around 47.3 % of area; major crops are cotton (9.4 %), maize (50.4 %) and onion (40.2 %). Attikatti Tanda (ATT) soils are moderately shallow soil depth covers around 11.7 % of area; major crop grown maize. Jelligeri (JLG) soils are moderately deep soil depth cover around 7.3 % of areas; major crops grown horse gram (16.7 %) and sorghum (83.3 %).  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for cotton ranges between Rs. 51801/ha in YSJ soil (with BCR of 1.24) and Rs.14140/ha in AKT soil (with BCR of 1.05).  In maize the cost of cultivation range between Rs 25035 ha in YSJ soil (with BCR of 1.24) and Rs.21238/ha in AKT soil (with BCR of 1.15).  In onion the cost of cultivation in YSJ soil is Rs. 15777/ha (with BCR of 4.39).  In horsegram cost of cultivation in JLG soil is Rs.35214 ha (with BCR of 0.95) and sorghum cost of cultivation in JLG soil is Rs.9324 ha (with BCR of 3.76).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications in deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation.  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthening agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households.  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertilizer recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in maize (78.2 to 73.1) ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Honnegaudanahalli Microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and the physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characterstics, classification and use potentials of the soils in the microwartershed. The present study covers an area of 584 ha in Gundlupet taluk of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought prone with an average annual rainfall of 734 mm, of which about 254 mm is received during south –west monsoon, 268 mm during north-east and the remaining 212 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 95 per cent is covered by soils, five per cent by others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 9 soil series and 27 soil phases (management units) and 8 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 150 days starting from the 3rd week of June to 1st week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 93 per cent area is suitable for agriculture and 3 per cent is not suitable for agriculture.  About 46 per cent of the soils are moderately deep (75-100 cm) to very deep (>150 cm) and 50 per cent are shallow to moderately shallow (25-75 cm).  About 19 per cent of the area has clayey soils at the surface, 64 per cent loamy soils and 13 per cent sandy soils.  About 38 per cent of the area has non-gravelly soils, 41 per cent gravelly soils (15- 35 % gravel) and 16 per cent very gravelly (35- 60% gravel) soils.  About 76 per cent has soils that are very low (200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  About 85 per cent of the area has nearly level (0-1%) to very gently sloping (1-3% slope) lands and 10 per cent is under gently sloping (3-5%) to very strongly sloping (15-25%) lands.  An area of about 73 per cent has soils that are slightly eroded (e1), 20 per cent moderately eroded (e2) and 3 per cent soils are severely eroded (e3).  An area of about 19 per cent has soils that are extremely acid (pH 3.5-4.5) to slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5) ; 22 per cent neutral (pH 6.5-7.3) and maximum area of about 54 per cent has soils that are slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 to 7.8) to strongly alkaline (pH 8.4 to 9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly 0.75%) in organic carbon.  About 38 per cent of the soils are low (57 kg/ha) in available phosphorus.  About 3 per cent of the soils are low (337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (1.0 ppm) in 9 per cent area.  Available iron is deficient in about 8 per cent area and sufficient in 88 per cent area.  Available manganese is deficient (1 ppm) in 94 per cent area.  Available copper is sufficient in all the soils of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 18 per cent area and sufficient in 78 per cent area.  The land suitability for 27 major crops grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the Microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 187 (32) 80 (14) Sapota 26 (4) 153 (26) Maize 125 (21) 54 (9) Guava 125 (21) 55 (9) Redgram 125 (21) 290 (50) Banana 26 (4) 187 (32) Horsegram 125 (21) 293 (50) Jackfruit 89 (15) 152 (26) Field bean 26 (4) 241 (41) Jamun 115 (20) 98 (17) Groundnut - 234 (40) Musambi 115 (20 ) 98 (17) Sunflower - 231 (37) Lime 115 (20) 98 (17) Cotton 89 (15) 152 (26) Cashew 26 (5) 153 (26) Onion 26 (4) 241 (41) Custard apple 213 (37) 225 (39) Potato 26 (4) 152 (26) Amla 213 (37) 225 (39) Beans 26 (4) 241 (41) Tamarind 115 (20) 98 (17) Beetroot 26 (4) 152 (26) Marigold 125 (21) 198 (34) Turmeric 26 (4) 1525 (26) Chrysanthemum 26 (5) 241 (26) Mango 26 (4) 98 (17)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 9 identified LMUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fibre and horticulture crops.  Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Honnegaudanahalli micro-watershed (Basavapur sub-watershed, Gundlupet taluk, Chamarajanagar district) is located in between 11044' – 11047' North latitudes and 76035' – 76038' East longitudes, covering an area of about 584 ha, bounded by Kannagal, Puttanapur and Bhimanabid villages with length of growing period (LGP) 150-180 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for the Honnegaudanahalli micro-watershed (Basavapur sub-watershed, Gundlupet taluk and Chamarajanagar district) are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 52.0 to 48.0 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is around 54 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population is around 72 per cent.  Social groups belong to general caste is around 70 per cent.  Liquefied petroleum gas is the source of energy for a cooking among all sample households.  About 60 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  Majority of farm households (30 %) are having MGNREGA card for rural employment.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system is around 80 per cent.  Swach bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 70 per cent of sample households.  Institutional participation is only 17.0 per cent of sample households.  Women participation in decisions making of agriculture production among all sample households was found. 2 Economic Indicators;  The average landholding is 0.8 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to marginal and small farmers. The dry land account for 32.7 % and irrigated land is 67.3 % of total cultivable land among the sample households.  Agriculture is the main occupation among 20.0 per cent and agriculture is the main and agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 68.0 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs.14057 per household. Mobile and television are popular media mass communication.  The average value of farm assets is around Rs.10921 per household, among the all sample farmers having plough and sprayer (20 %).  The average value of livestock is around Rs.17170 per household; about 60 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 471.5 grams (1195.3 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Among the all sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs.168282 per household. About 50 per cent on of farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita average monthly expenditure is around Rs.814. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs.711 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs.396566 per year for the total area of 122.6 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs. 75847/ ha/year. Per hectare food grain production services is maximum in garlic (Rs. 558310) followed by onion (Rs. 120939) horse gram (Rs. 11625), sunflower (Rs. 7550), maize (Rs .7447) and sorghum (Rs. 1857).  The average value of ecosystem service for fodder production is around Rs. 2924/ ha/year. Per hectare fodder production services is maximum in gram (Rs. 3203) followed by maize (Rs. 1482) and sorghum (Rs. 1671).  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was maximum in turmeric (Rs. 77136) followed by sorghum (Rs. 41633), garlic (Rs. 40288), onion (Rs. 29291), sunflower (Rs. 28602), horse gram (Rs. 25170) and maize (Rs. 21128). 3 Economic Land Evaluation;  The major cropping pattern is by onion (26.8 %), followed by horse gram (16.2 %), sorghum (15.1 %), turmeric (14.2 %) sunflower (10.6 %), garlic (10.6 %), beetroot (3.3 %) and maize (3.3 %).  In Honnegaudanahalli micro-watershed, major soil are Hindupur (HDR) soil are having shallow soil depth cover around 10.4 % of area; crops are beet root (15.9 %), maize (31.9 %), sunflower (20.3 %), turmeric (31.9 %). Magoonahalli (MGH) soil series are having moderately shallow soil depth cover around 20 % of area; crops are onion (50 %) and turmeric (50 %). Kannigala (KNG) soil are having moderately deep soil depth cover around 9.4% of area; crops area horsegram (25.4 %) and sunflower (74.6 %), Beemanabeedu (BMB) soil are having very deep moderately soils depth cover around 15.2 % of area; crops are horse gram (22.5 %), sorghum (22.8 %), onion (22.9 %), sunflower (8.4 %) and turmeric (2.4 %) and Kallipura (KLP) soil series are very deep soil depth cover around (16.9 %) of area; crops are horse gram (50%) and sorghum (50%).  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for sunflower ranges between Rs.40164/ha in HDR soil (With BCR of 1.02) and Rs. 27618/ha in KNG soil (with BCR of 1.07).  In turmeric the cost of cultivation range between is Rs. 818442/ha in BMB soil (with of 1.16) and Rs 93334 in HDR soil (with BCR of 2.12).  In onion the cost of cultivation range between Rs. 198935/ha in BMB soil (with BCR of 2.25) and Rs. 63126/ha in MGH soil (with BCR of 3.01).  In horse gram the cost of cultivation ranges between Rs.33643/ha in KNG soil (with BCR of 1.12) and Rs.13169/ha in BMB soil (with BCR of 1.21).  In sorghum the cost of cultivation range between Rs. 26791/ha in BMB soil (with BCR of 1.15) and Rs. 25532/ha in KLP soil (with BCR of 1.16).  In garlic the cost of cultivation in BMB soil is Rs. 57290/ha (with BCR of 10.75).  In beetroot the cost of cultivation in HDR soil is Rs. 43823/ha (with BCR of 1.13) and maize the cost of cultivation in Rs. 24539/ha (with BCR of 1.36).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications are deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation. 4  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households.  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in beetroot(91.6 %), maize(79.2 %), sunflower (28.3 to 73.4 %), turmeric (0 to 39.3 %), onion (70.6 %), horse gram (9.6 to 25.6% %), sorghum(53.6% to 52.9 %), garlic (12.4 %) and onion (48.5 %). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Chilkadabetta-1 microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and the physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characterstics, classification and use potentials of the soils in the microwartershed. The present study covers an area of 476 ha in Chilkadabetta-1 microwatershed in Gundlupet taluk of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought prone with an average annual rainfall of 734 mm. Maximum of 254 mm precipitation takes place during south–west monsoon period from June to September, the north-east monsoon contributes about 268 mm and prevails from October to early December and the remaining 212 mm takes place during the rest of the year. An area of about 97 per cent is covered by soils and 3 per cent by waterbodies, settlements, forest and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 10 soil series and 28 soil phases (management units) and 8 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 150 days starting from the 3rd week of June to 3rd week of November.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 77 per cent area is suitable for agriculture and 23 per cent is not suitable for agriculture but well suited for forestry, pasture, agroforestry, silvi-pasture, recreation, installation of wind mills and as habitat for wildlife.  About 24 per cent of the soils are very deep (>150 cm), 12 per cent moderately deep (75 - 100 cm), 61 per cent moderately shallow to shallow (25-75 cm).  About 32 per cent of the area has clayey soils, 52 per cent loamy soils and 13 per cent sandy soils at the surface.  About 9 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (200mm/m) in available water capacity and about 73 per cent low (50-100 mm/m) and very low (337kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (4.5 ppm).  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils.  Available zinc is deficient in all the soils  The land suitability for 27 major crops (agricultural and horticultural) grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the Chilkadabetta-1 Microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 82 (17) 186 (39) Guava 78 (16) 57 (12) Maize 101 (21) 155 (33) Mango 78 (16) 23 (5) Red gram 78(16) 83 (18) Sapota 78 (16) 57 (12) Groundnut 35 (7) 221(47) Jackfruit 78 (16) 23 (5) Sunflower 70 (15) 77 (16) Jamun 78 (16) 35 (7) Cotton 82 (17) 155 (33) Musambi 78 (16) 35 (5) Onion 78 (16) 190 (40) Lime 78 (16) 35 (5) Beans 78 (16) 190 (40) Cashew 78 (16) 57 (12) Potato 78 (16) 178 (37) Custard apple 78 (16) 193 (40) Beetroot 78 (16) 178 (37) Amla 78 (16) 193(40) Turmeric 78 (16) 178 (37) Tamarind 78 (16) 35(5) Horse gram 78 (16) 180 (38) Marigold 78 (16) 190(40) Field bean 78 (16) 190 (40) Chrysanthamum 78 (16) 190(40) Banana 78 (16) 69 (50) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 8 identified LMUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fibre and horticulture crops that helps in maintaining the ecological balance in the microwatershed. Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges that are edible, ecological and produce lot of biomass which helps in restoring the ecological balance in the micro watershed. SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Chilakadabetta-1 Microwatershed (Shivapura sub-watershed, Gundlupet taluk, Chamarajanagar district) is located in between 11041' – 11042' North latitudes and 76040' – 76042' East longitudes, covering an area of about 476 ha, bounded by Hullipura, Belavadihundi, Mangala and Shivapura villages with length of growing period (LGP) 120-150 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for the Chilakadabetta-1 micro-watershed (Shivapura sub-watershed, Gundlupet taluk and Chamarajanagar district) are presented here. Social Indicators  Male and female ratio is 61.2 to 38.8 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is around 55.1 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population is around 71.4 per cent.  Social groups belong to scheduled caste (SC) is around 30 per cent.  Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is the source of energy for a cooking among 90 per cent.  About 60.0 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  Around 30.0 percent of farm households are having MGNREGA card for rural employment.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system is around 70 per cent.  Swach bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 80 per cent.  Institutional participation is only 8.2 per cent.  Rural migration to urban centre for employment is prevalent among 10 per cent of sample households.  Women participation in decisions making are around 30 per cent of sample households. 2 Economic Indicators  The average land holding is 0.8 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to marginal farmers. The dry land account for 72.1 % and irrigated land is 27.9 % of total cultivated land of the sample farmers.  Agriculture is the main occupation among 79.6 per cent and agriculture is the main agriculture labour is the subsidiary occupation around 10.2 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs 93314 per household. Mobile and television are popular media mass communication.  The average value of farm assets is around Rs 74219 per household, about 50.0 per cent of sample farmers are having sprayer.  The average value of livestock is around Rs 25750 per household; about 58.3 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 588.3 grams (1253.5 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Around 80.0 per cent of sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs. 36529 per household. All sample farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita average monthly expenditure is around Rs.1401. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs. 900 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs. 505064 per year for the total area of 475.8 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs. 16231/ ha/year. Per hectare food grain production services is maximum in tomato (Rs. 43260) followed by beans (Rs. 18914), maize (Rs. 16914), sorghum (Rs. 16401), horse gram (Rs. 7824), sunflower (Rs. 5818) and groundnut (Rs. 4485).  The average value of ecosystem service for fodder production is around Rs. 449/ ha/year. Per hectare fodder production services is maximum in groundnut (Rs. 675) followed by horse gram (Rs. 472), sunflower (Rs. 329) and sorghum (Rs. 318).  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was maximum in beans (Rs. 538092) followed by tomato (Rs. 49965), sorghum (Rs. 48561), maize (Rs. 36220), sunflower (Rs. 30947), horse gram (Rs. 20349) and groundnut (Rs. 20287). 3 Economic Land Evaluation  The major cropping pattern is horse gram (29.9 %) followed by sorghum (19.4 %) groundnut (18.1 %), sunflower (16.7 %), maize (8.7 %) and beans (3.6 %).  Chilakadabetta-1 Micro watershed, major soils are soil Hindupur (HDR) series is having shallow soil depth cover around 6.5 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing sunflower (50.0 %) and sorghum (50.0%). Hullipura (HPR) are also having moderately shallow soil depth cover around 16.6 % of area, the crops are beans (5.5 %), horse gram(44.5%), sorghum(44.5%) and tomato was 5.5 % each. Shivapura (SPR) soil series having shallow soil depth cover around 14.6 % of areas, crops are groundnut (50.0 %) and horse gram (50.0 %). Kannigala (KNG) soil series are having moderately deep soil depth cover around 11.7 % per cent of area. The major crops grown are groundnut (31.7%) and horse gram (68.3%). Annurkeri (ARK) soil series are having very deep soil depth covers around 7.4 % of area, the major crop grown is beans (13.1%), groundnut (36.9%), sorghum (36.9%) and tomato (13.1%). Kalligaudanahalli (KDH) and Beemanabeedu (BMB) soil series having very deep soil depth cover 7.3 % and 2.5 % of areas respectively; crops are maize, sunflower and horse gram.  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for groundnut ranges between Rs.18746/ha in SPR soil (with BCR of 1.0) and Rs.30525/ha in KNG soil (with BCR of 1.04).  In horse gram the cost of cultivation range between Rs 6371/ha in SPR soil (with of 2.62) and Rs. 28728/ha in BMB soil (with BCR of 1.57).  In sorghum the cost of cultivation range between Rs. 11171/ha in ARK soil (with BCR of 2.53) and Rs. 18249/ha in HDR soil (with BCR of 1.71).  In tomato the cost of cultivation range between is Rs.118609 /ha in ARK soil (with BCR of 1.25) and Rs331873 in HPR soil (with BCR of 1.28).  In sunflower the cost of cultivation range between is Rs 17602/ha in HDR soil (with BCR of 1.94) and Rs. 33353/ha in BMB soil (with BCR of 1.03).  In beans the cost of cultivation range between is Rs 112311/ha in ARK soil (with BCR of 1.23) and Rs. 126088/ha in HPR soil (with BCR of 1.02).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications on deeper soils to maximize returns. Suggestions  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation. 4  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households.  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in groundnut (56.6 to 58.7 %), horse gram (24.1 to 45.8 %), sorghum (38.2 to 53.1 %), sunflower (31.7 to 39.3 %) and tomato (44.9 to 64 %). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Chikkasavanur-1 microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and these physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characterstics, classification and use potentials of the soils in the microwartershed. The present study covers an area of 322 ha in Shirahatti taluk of Gadag district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought prone with an average annual rainfall of 633 mm of which about 363 mm is received during south –west monsoon, 165 mm during north-east and the remaining 105 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 96 per cent is covered by soils, 13 per cent is covered by rocky lands and two percent by mining/ industrial and other miscellaneous lands. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 7 soil series and 17 soil phases (management units) and 4 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 150 days starting from the 3rd week of June to 1st week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 85 per cent area is suitable for agriculture and 15% is not suitable for agriculture.  About 80 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm) to shallow (25-50 cm) and about 5 per cent are very deep (>150 cm) soils.  About 59 per cent of the area has loamy soils at the surface and 26 per cent of the area has sandy soils at the surface.  About 8 per cent of the area has non-gravelly soils, 57 per cent gravelly soils (15-35 % gravel) and 20 per cent very gravelly (35- 60% gravel) soils.  About 5 per cent medium (101-150 mm/m) and 80 per cent is low (51-100 mm/m) to very low (9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of most of the soils are dominantly 19 dsm-1).  About 44 per cent of the soils are medium (0.5-0.75%) in organic carbon and low (337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is medium (10-20 ppm) in about 54 per cent area and about 28 per cent area is high (>20 ppm).  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about 4 per cent area, medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in 70 per cent area and high (>1.0 ppm) in 11 per cent area.  Available iron is deficient in about 57 per cent area and sufficient in 27 per cent area.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils.  Available zinc is sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 6 per cent and deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 79 per cent area of the microwatershed.  The land suitability for 23 major crops grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum - 110 (34) Sapota - 17 (5) Maize - 110(34) Jackfruit - - Cotton - 110(34) Jamun - - Sunflower - 19(6) Musambi - - Onion - 110(34) Lime - - Groundnut - 135(42) Cashew - - Chilli - 110(34) Custard apple - 152(47) Sugarcane - - Amla - 161 (50) Pomegranate - 17 (5) Tamarind - 152(47) Tomato - 110(34) Marigold - 130 (40) Guava 17 (5) Chrysanthem um 130 (40) Mango - - Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 4 identified LMUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fibre and horticulture crops.  Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Chikasavanur-1 Microwatershed (Nilogal sub-watershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) is located in between 1505' – 1507' North latitudes and 75035' – 75037' East longitudes, covering an area of about 322 ha, bounded by Devihal, Nadigatti, Madki Khanapur, Bikonatti, Nadigatti villages with length of growing period (LGP) 150-180 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for the Chikasavanur-1 Microwatershed (Nilogal sub-watershed, Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district) are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 49.0 to 51.0 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is around 57.2 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population is around 79.6 per cent.  Social groups belong to other backward caste is around 80 per cent.  Fire wood is the source of energy for a cooking among 90 per cent.  About 30 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  Majority of farm households (70 %) are having MGNREGA card for rural employment.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system is around 60 per cent.  Swach bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 66.7 per cent of sample households.  Women participation in decisions making are around 60 per cent of households were found. Economic Indicators;  The average land holding is 1.58 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to marginal and small farmers. The dry land of 51.7 % and irrigated land 48.3 % of total cultivated land area among the sample farmers. 2  Agriculture is the main occupation among 51 per cent and agriculture is the main and agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 32.6 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs. 20410 per household. Mobile and television are popular media mass communication.  The average value of farm assets is around Rs. 102241 per household, about 31.0 per cent of sample farmers having plough and sprayer (38.1 %).  The average value of livestock is around Rs. 26600 per household; about 52.8 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 832.9 grams (1700.8 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Around 70 per cent of sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs.28389 per household. About 90 per cent of farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita average monthly expenditure is around Rs.1205. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs.834 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs. 357009 per year for the total area of 451.5 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs. 10000/ ha/year. Per hectare food grain production services is maximum in red gram (Rs. 35094) followed by onion (Rs. 14993) horse gram (Rs. 10499), chillies (Rs. 9535).  The average value of ecosystem service for fodder production is around Rs. 2924/ ha/year. Per hectare fodder production services is maximum in maize (Rs. 5582) followed by green gram (Rs. 2371) and horse gram (Rs. 2075).  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was maximum in redgram (Rs. 67515), cotton (Rs. 59710), greengram (Rs. 42645), maize (Rs. 33853), onion (Rs. 28068), horse gram (Rs. 22808) and chillies (Rs. 12189). Economic Land Evaluation;  The major cropping pattern is maize (66.8 %) followed by onion (11.3 %), redgram (6.3 %), cotton (5.3 %), greengram (5.3 %), horse gram (2.7 %) and chillies (2.6%). 3  In Chikasavanur-1 micro-watershed, major soil is Chikkasavanur (CSR) series is having shallow soil depth cover around 33.9 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing chillies (15.9 %), maize (49 %) and onion (35.1 %). Kutegoudanahundi (KGH) are also having moderately shallow soil depth cover 33.92 % of area, the crops are cotton (31.3 %), maize (31.3 %) and red gram (37.4 %) each. Mukhadahalli (MKH) soil series having deep soil depth cover around 6.8 % of areas; crops are green gram (30.0 %), horse gram (30%) and maize (39.9 %). Tammadahalli (TDH) soil series having moderately shallow soil depth cover around 5.87 % of area, crops are maize (94.8 %) and onion (5.2 %). Chikka Tanda (CKT) soil series having very deep soil depth cover around 5.40 % of area; crop is maize.  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for maize range between Rs.99160 in CKT soils (with BCR of 0.87) and Rs.19389 in TDH soil (with BCR of 1.24).  In onion the cost of cultivation range between Rs. 76776 in CSR soil (with BCR of 1.16) and Rs.74926 in TDH soil (with BCR of 1.25).  In red gram the cost of cultivation in KGH soil is Rs.28154 (with BCR of 2.25).  In green gram the cost of cultivation in MKH soil is Rs.33961 with (BCR of 0.89).  In horse gram the cost of cultivation in MKH soil is Rs.33961 (with BCR of 1.37) and chillies the cost of cultivation in CSR soil is Rs.105320 (with BCR of 1.09).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications are deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation.  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households. 4  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in chillies (88.3 %), onion (57.8 %), maize (42.8 to 80.8 %), horse gram (24.1 %) and green gram (27.7 %). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Dargah-3 Microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and the physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundaries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characteristics, classification, behavior and use potentials of the soils in the microwatershed. The present study covers an area of 465 ha in Chitapur taluk of Gulbarga district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought prone with an average annual rainfall of 762 mm of which about 571mm is received during south –west monsoon, 99 mm during north-east and the remaining 92 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 99 per cent is covered by soils, one per cent by water bodies and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 3 soil series and 5 soil phases (management units) and 2 Land Use Classes.  The length of crop growing period is about 120-150 days starting from 2nd week of June to 3rd week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops was assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 99 per cent area is suitable for agriculture and 1 per cent is not suitable for agriculture.  About 40 per cent of the soils are moderately deep to deep (75-150 cm) and 60 per cent of the soils are very deep (>150cm).  About 99 per cent of the area has clayey soils at the surface.  About 99 per cent of the area has non-gravelly soils.  About 88 per cent of the area has soils that are very high (>200mm/m) in available water capacity and 11 per cent medium (100-150 mm/m).  About 99 per cent of the area has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 33 per cent has soils that are slightly eroded (e1) and 66 per cent moderately eroded (e2).  An area of about 57 per cent has soils that are moderately alkaline (pH 7.8 to 8.4), 43 per cent strongly to very strongly alkaline (pH 8.4 to >9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly 0.75%) and 4 per cent low (20 ppm).  Available boron is low (1.0 ppm).  Available iron is deficient (4.5 ppm).  Available manganese is sufficient (>1.0 ppm) in all the soils of the microwatershed.  Available copper is sufficient (>0.2 ppm) in all the soils of the microwatershed.  About 2 per cent area has soils that are sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in available zinc and about 452 ha (97%) area is deficient.  The land suitability for 19 major crops grown in the microwatershed was assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, market price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the Microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 319(68) 145(31) Sapota - 464(99) Maize - - Jackfruit - - Redgram 114 (24) 349(75) Jamun - 464(99) Sunflower 319 (68) 145(31) Musambi 410(88) 54(11) Cotton 319 (68) 145(31) Lime 410(88) 54(11) Sugarcane - - Cashew - - Soybean 319 (68) 145(31) Custard apple 464(99) - Bengal gram 465(99) - Amla 464(99) - Guava - 464(99) Tamarind - 464(99) Mango - - Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the two identified LMUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fiber and horticulture crops.  Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands, field bunds and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. This would help in not only supplementing the farm income but also provide fodder and fuel, generate lot of biomass which helps in maintaining an ecological balance and also contribute to mitigating the climate change. Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Dargah-3 Microwatershed (Invi sub-watershed, Chitapur taluk, Gulbarga district) is located in between 17012' – 17014' North latitudes and 7704' – 7707' East longitudes, covering an area of about 465 ha, bounded by Tonsanhalli, Mudbol, Mulkod, Belgumpa and Gundagurthi villages with length of growing period (LGP) 120-150 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for Dargah-3 Microwatershed (Invi sub-watershed, Chitapur taluk, Gulbarga district) are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 61.8 to 38.2 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is around 49.1 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population is around 89.1 per cent.  Social groups belong to other backward caste (OBC) among all sample households.  Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is the source of energy for a cooking among 60.0 per cent.  About 40.0 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  Around 30.0 percent of farm households are having MGNREGA card for rural employment.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system is around 90.0 per cent.  Swach bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 70.0 per cent of sample households.  Women participation in decisions making for agriculture production was found. 2 Economic Indicators;  The average land holding is 2.09 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to small and medium farmers. The total cultivated area by dry land condition among the sample farmers.  Agriculture is the main occupation among 32.4 per cent and agriculture is the main and non agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 35.3 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs. 128017 per household. Mobile and television are popular media mass communication.  The average value of farm assets is around Rs. 108399 per household, about 70 per cent of sample farmers having bullock cart.  The average value of livestock is around Rs.36667 per household; about 33.3 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 976.5 grams (2202.14 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Around 60.0 per cent of sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs. 53513 per household. About 40.0 per cent of farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita average monthly expenditure is around Rs.2045. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs. 927 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs. 430021 per year for the total area of 463.98 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs. 19591/ha/year in red gram.  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was maximum in red gram (Rs.56126). Economic Land Evaluation;  The major cropping pattern is redgram (100 %).  In Dergah-3 Microwatershed, major soils are soil of Dargah (DRG) series is having deep soil depth cover around 28.05 % of area. On this soil farmers are 3 presently growing red gram (100 %) and Dandothi (DDT) are also having very deep soil depth cover 60.08 % of area, the crops are red gram (100 %).  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for red gram range between Rs. 24975/ha in DRG soil (with BCR of 2.23) and Rs 22079/ha in DDT soil (with BCR of 2.29).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications in deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation.  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households.  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in redgram (12.4%). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Bhimnalli microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and these physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundaries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characteristics, classification and use potentials of the soils in the microwartershed. The present study covers an area of 643 ha in Bhimnalli microwatershed in Gulbarga taluk of Gulbarga district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought prone with an average annual rainfall of 740 mm, of which about 540 mm is received during south–west monsoon, 126 mm during north-east and the remaining 74 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 97 per cent is covered by soils, three per cent by waterbodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 11 soil series and 34 soil phases (management units) and 7 land use classes.  The length of crop growing period is about 120-150 days starting from the 3rd week of May to 1rd week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 97 per cent area is suitable for agriculture and 3 per cent is not suitable for agriculture but well suited for forestry, pasture, agroforestry, silvi-pasture, recreation, installation of wind mills and as habitat for wildlife.  About 29 per cent of the soils are moderately deep to deep (75-150 cm), 2 per cent of the soils are very deep (>150cm), 54 per cent are shallow to moderately shallow (25- 75 cm) and about 13 per cent are very shallow (200mm/m) in available water capacity, 16 per cent medium (100-150 mm/m) and about 76 per cent low (51- 100 mm/m) and very low (0.75%) and 1 per cent low (337 kg/ha) and 29 per cent low (20 ppm).  Available boron is low (1.0 ppm).  Available iron, manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils.  About 23 per cent area has soils that are deficient (0.6 ppm).  The land suitability for 19 major crops grown in the microwatershed was assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 80 (12) 71 (11) Guava - 174(21) Maize - 54 (8) Jackfruit - 6(1) Red gram - 137 (21) Jamun - 100(15) Sunflower 80 (12) - Musambi 43 (7) 131(20) Cotton 43 (7) 108 (17) Lime 43 (7) 131(20) Sugarcane - - Cashew 6(1) 13(2) Soybean 80(12) 57 (9) Custard apple 157 (24) 286(44) Bengalgram 137(21) 81(13) Amla 157 (24) 119 (18) Mango - 6(1) Tamarind - 113 (17) Sapota - 161(25) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 7 identified LUCs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fibre and horticulture crops that helps in maintaining the ecological balance in microwatershed  Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands, field bunds and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Bhimnalli Microwatershed (Kamalapur sub-watershed, Gulbarga taluk, Gulbarga district) is located in between 17036' – 17038' North latitudes and 7700' – 7702' East longitudes, covering an area of about 643 ha, bounded by Dhanura, Bachinal, Mormanchi and Kurnur villages with length of growing period (LGP) 120-150 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for Bhimnalli Microwatershed Gulbarga taluk and district are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 59.1 to 40.9 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is around 47.8 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population is around 68.2 per cent.  Social groups belong to scheduled caste (SC) is around 50 per cent.  Fire wood is the source of energy for a cooking among 50 per cent.  About 10 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system among all sample households.  Swach bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 50 per cent of sample households.  Women participation in decisions making are around 90 per cent of households were found. Economic Indicators;  The average land holding is 2.6 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to small and medium and large farmers. The dry land is total cultivated land area among all the sample farmers. 2  Agriculture is the main occupation among 45.5 per cent and agriculture is the main and agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 40.9 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs. 13980 per household. Mobile and television are popular media mass communication.  The average value of farm assets is around Rs. 161200 per household, about 40 per cent, of sample farmer having plough.  The average value of livestock is around Rs. 37292 per household; around 80 per cent of sample household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 953.4 grams (2288.91 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Around 70 per cent of sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs. 55782 per household. About 60 per cent of farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita monthly average expenditure is around Rs.2266. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs. 3008 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs. 1883220 per year for the total area of 642.74 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs 10350/ha/year. Per hectare food grain production services is maximum in red gram (Rs.17261) followed by sorghum (Rs. 3440).  The average value of ecosystem service for fodder production is around Rs. 988/ ha/year in sorghum.  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was maximum in redgram (Rs. 62920) followed by sorghum (Rs. 47054). Economic Land Evaluation;  The major cropping pattern is redgram (36.9 %) followed by greengram (27.11 %) and sorghum (9.0 %).  In Bhimnalli Microwatershed, major soil is Novinihala (NHA) series having shallow soil depth cover around 5.82 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing redgram, sorghum, Mahagaon (MAN) series having very deep soil depth cover around 1.77 % of area, the crops are red gram, 3 Kalamundargi (KGI) soil series are having shallow soil depth cover around 0.9 % of areas; crops are redgram, Ramnelli (RMN) soil series having deep soil depth cover around 3.75 % of area; crops are redgram, Rajnala (RML) soil series deep soil depth cover around 4.55 % of area. The major crops grown redgram, Dinsi (DSI) soil series moderately shallow soil depth cover around 2.41 % of area, the major crop grown is red gram.  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for red gram ranges between Rs. 39379/ha in RNL soil (with BCR of 1.44) and Rs. 24845 /ha in MAN soil (with BCR of 1.72).  In sorghum the cost of cultivation in NHA soil Rs 24348/ha (with BCR of 1.18).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications in deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation.  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households.  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in red gram (0 to 45 %) and sorghum (9.9 %). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Dharjamga-1 microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and these physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundaries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characteristics, classification and use potentials of the soils in the microwartershed. The present study covers an area of 830 ha in Dharjamga-1 microwatershed in Gulbarga taluk of Gulbarga district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought-prone with an average annual rainfall of 740 mm, of which about 540 mm is received during south–west monsoon, 126 mm during north-east and the remaining 74 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 97 per cent is covered by soils, three per cent by waterbodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 9 soil series and 22 soil phases (management units) and 5 land use classes.  The length of crop growing period is about 120-150 days starting from the 3rd week of May to 1rd week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops was assessed and maps showing degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 87 per cent area is suitable for agriculture and 13 per cent is not suitable for agriculture but well suited for forestry, pasture, agro-forestry, silvi-pasture, recreation, installation of wind mills and as habitat for wildlife.  About 13 per cent of the soils are moderately deep to deep (75-150 cm), 66 per cent are shallow to moderately shallow (25-75 cm) and about 20 per cent are very shallow (200mm/m) in available water capacity, 41 per cent medium (100-150 mm/m) and about 53 per cent low (51-100 mm/m) and very low (0.75%) in organic carbon.  An area of 8 per cent has soils that are low (337 kg/ha) and about 1 per cent low (20 ppm).  Available boron is low (4.5 ppm).  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils.  About 56 per cent deficient (0.6 ppm).  The land suitability for 19 major crops grown in the microwatershed was assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 94 (11) 267 (32) Guava - - Maize - - Jackfruit - - Red gram - 361 (43) Jamun - 23(3) Sunflower 23 (3) 71 (9) Musambi 23 (3) 71(9) Cotton 23 (3) 338 (41) Lime 23 (3) 71(9) Sugarcane - - Cashew - - Soybean 76(9) 285 (34) Custard apple 94 (11) 267(32) Bengalgram 361(43) 282 (34) Amla 94 (11) 267(32) Mango - - Tamarind - 23 (3) Sapota - - Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 5 identified LUCs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fibre and horticulture crops that helps sustained production and also in maintaining the ecological balance in microwatershed  Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands, field bunds and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Dharjamga-1 Microwatershed (Sonath sub-watershed, Gulbarga taluk, Gulbarga district) is located in between 17037' – 17039' North latitudes and 7703' – 7705' East longitudes, covering an area of about 830 ha, bounded by Kinhi, Dongaragaon, Bhimnalli, Sonath, Wahadi and Gobbarwadi villages with length of growing period (LGP) 120-150 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for Dharjamga-1 micro-watershed (Sonath subwatershed, Gulbarga taluk, Gulbarga district) are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 63.2 to 36.8 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is around 57.9 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population is around 42.1 per cent.  Social groups belong to other backward caste (OBC) is around 50.0 per cent.  Fire wood is the source of energy for a cooking among 90 per cent.  About 80.0 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system is around 50 per cent.  Swachha bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 10 per cent of sample households.  Women participation in decisions making of agriculture productivity of among the all sample households was found. Economic Indicators;  The average land holding is 0.83 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to marginal and small farmers. The total cultivated area by dry land condition among the sample households. 2  Agriculture is the main occupation among 53.1 per cent and agriculture is the main and agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 40.6 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs. 24500 per household. Mobile and television are popular media mass communication.  The average livestock value is around Rs. 43600 per household; about 50 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 776.4 grams (1727 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Around 100 per cent of sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs. 41320 per household. About 80 per cent of farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita average monthly expenditure is around Rs. 2294. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs. 2718 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs. 2190754 per year for the total area of 830.21 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs 22897/ha/year of red gram.  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was in red gram (Rs.61122). Economic Land Evaluation;  The major cropping pattern is red gram (100 %).  In Dharjamga-1 Micro-watershed, major soil of Basaltic landforms of Margutti series is having very shallow soil depth cover around 5.7 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing red gram, soil of Matki series is having very shallow soil depth cover around 2.8 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing red gram, soil of Novinihal series is having shallow soil depth cover around 30.1% of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing red gram, soil of Bhimanahalli series is having shallow soil depth cover around 3.8 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing red gram, soil of gutti series is having moderately shallow soil depth cover around 4.4% of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing red gram, soil of Kamalapur series is 3 having moderately deep soil depth cover around 8.5 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing red gram.  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for red gram ranges between Rs.29890/ha in NHA soil (with BCR of 1.57) and Rs.14968/ha in MGT soil (with BCR of 2.74).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications in deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation.  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households.  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in red gram (3.6 to 22.4%). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Madhrai Microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and the physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundaries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characteristics, classification, behavior and use potentials of the soils in the microwatershed. The present study covers an area of 632 ha in Sedam taluk of Gulbarga district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought-prone with an average annual rainfall of 839 mm, of which about 639 mm is received during south-west monsoon, 109 mm during north-east and the remaining 91 mm during the rest of the year. An area of 591 ha (93%) in the microwatershed is covered by soils, about 33 ha (5%) by a stone quarry and about 9 ha (1%) by others (habitation and water bodies). The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 5 soil series and 7 soil phases (management units), and 4 land use class.  The length of crop growing period is about 120-150 days starting from 2nd week of June to 3rd week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops was assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 94 percent of area in the microwatershed is suitable for agriculture.  About 36 per cent area of the microwatershed has soils that are shallow (25-50 cm) to moderately shallow (50-75 cm) and about 57 per cent soils are moderately deep (75-100 cm) to very deep (>150 cm) in soil depth.  About 93 per cent area of the microwatershed has clayey soils at the surface.  About 93 per cent area of the microwatershed has soils that are non gravelly (200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  About 93 per cent area of the microwatershed has very gently sloping (1-3% slope) lands.  An area of about 76 per cent has soils that are slightly eroded (e1) and 17 per cent area is moderately (e2) eroded.  An area of about 19 per cent is slightly (pH 7.3-7.8) alkaline, 69 per cent soils are moderately (pH 7.8-8.4) alkaline and 6 per cent soils are strongly alkaline (pH 8.4- 9.0)in soil reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils in 11 per cent area is 337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (20 ppm) in 15 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in an area of about 93 per cent and medium (0.5- 1.0 ppm) in 4.5 ppm) in all the soils of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (0.6 ppm) in 16 per cent of soils in the microwatershed.  The land suitability for 19 major crops grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, market price and finally the demand and supply position. Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Madhrai micro-watershed (Mudhol sub-watershed, Sedam taluk, Gulbarga district) is located in between 1705'–1707' North latitudes and 77020'–77021' East longitudes, covering an area of about 632.04 ha, bounded by Adki, Madhwar, Imdapur and Bidharcheda villages with length of growing period (LGP) 120-150 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for the Madhrai micro-watershed (Mudhol subwatershed, Sedam taluk, Gulbarga district) are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 45.5 to 54.5 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is around 61.3 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population is around 63.6 per cent.  Social groups belong to other backward caste (OBC) is around 50.0 per cent.  Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is the source of energy for a cooking among 70.0 per cent.  Only 10.0 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  About 40.0 percent of farm households are having MGNREGA card for rural employment.  Dependence on ration cards for food grain through public distribution system is around 90.0 per cent.  Swach bharath program providing closed toilet facilities having 30.0 percent of sample households.  Institutional participation is only 2.3 per cent of sample households.  Women participation in decisions making are around 60 per cent of households were found. 2 Economic Indicators;  The average land holding is 1.6 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belonging to small and medium farmers. The dry land is total cultivated land area among the sample farmers.  Agriculture is the main occupation among 56.8 per cent and Agriculture is the main and non agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 29.5 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs.12976 per household. Mobile and television are popular media mass communication.  The average value of farm assets is around Rs.6127 per household, about 80.0 per cent of sample farmers having weeder and plough (70.0 %).  The average livestock value is around Rs.21666 per household; about 40.0 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 859.6 grams (1965.4 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Around 50.0 per cent of sample farmers are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs.60051 per household. About 40 per cent of farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita monthly average expenditure is around Rs.1898 per households. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs.562 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs.331689 per year for the total area of 476.20 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs 4377/ ha/year. Per hectare food grain production services is maximum in redgram (Rs. 23855), sorghum (Rs. 6358) and groundnut is negative return.  The average value of ecosystem service for fodder production is around Rs 23/ ha/year in redgram.  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was maximum in redgram (Rs.64663), sorghum (Rs.35850) and groundnut (Rs. 16897). 3 Economic Land Evaluation;  The major cropping pattern is redgram (92.4%) followed by sorghum (4.8 %) and groundnut (2.8 %).  In Madhrai micro-watershed, major soil is of Adki (ADK) series is having shallow soil depth cover around 24.7 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing redgram. Tonsanhalli (THN) Soils having moderately shallow soil depth cover 11.3 % of area, the crops are redgram. Dandothi (DDT) soil series having very deep soil depth cover around 33.9% of areas, main crops are redgram. Dargah (DRG) soil series having deep soil depth cover around 7.5 % of area, the major crops grown are groundnut (14.0%), redgram (61.8%) and sorghum (24.2 %).  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area Redgram ranges between Rs.31979/ha in TNH soil (with BCR of 1.66) and Rs.18930/ha in ADK soil (with BCR of 2.82).  In groundnut the cost of cultivation in DRG soil is Rs.41377/ha (with BCR of 0.59) and sorghum the cost of cultivation in DRG soil is Rs 17166/ha (with BCR of 1.37).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications are deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation.  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households.  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in redgram (22.8 %), groundnut (64.4%) and sorghum (58.1 %). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Kamalapur Tanda microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and these physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundaries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characteristics, classification behaviour and use potentials of the soils in the microwartershed. The present study covers an area of 547 ha in Kamalapur Tanda microwatershed in Gulbarga taluk of Gulbarga district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought-prone with an average annual rainfall of 740 mm, of which about 540 mm is received during south–west monsoon, 126 mm during north-east and the remaining 74 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 93 per cent is covered by soils, seven per cent by waterbodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 11 soil series and 24 soil phases (management units) and 6 land use classes.  The length of crop growing period is about 120-150 days starting from the 3rd week of May to 1rd week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing 19 major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 72 per cent area is suitable for agriculture and 28 per cent is not suitable for agriculture.  About 23 per cent of the soils are moderately deep to deep (75-150 cm), 1 per cent of the soils are very deep (>150cm), 49 per cent are shallow to moderately shallow (25- 75 cm) and about 20 per cent are very shallow (200mm/m) in available water capacity, 8 per cent medium (100-150 mm/m) and about 73 per cent low (51- 100 mm/m) to very low (0.75%) and 5 per cent low (337 kg/ha) and 32 per cent low (20 ppm).  Available boron is low (1.0 ppm) in very less area.  Available iron, zinc and copper are sufficient in all the soils.  About 73 per cent area has soils that are deficient (1.0 ppm).  The land suitability for 19 major crops grown in the microwatershed was assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, market price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 71 (13) 107 (19) Guava - 200(36) Maize - - Jackfruit - - Red gram - 113 (21) Jamun - 136(25) Sunflower 17 (13) - Musambi 71 (13) 134(24) Cotton 71 (13) 107 (19) Lime 71 (13) 134(24) Sugarcane - - Cashew - 16(3) Soybean 71(13) 42 (8) Custard apple 178 (33) 225(41) Bengalgram 113(21) 151(28) Amla 178 (33) 38 (7) Mango - - Tamarind - 136 (25) Sapota - 192(35) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 6 identified LUCs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fibre and horticulture crops that helps in sustained production and also in maintaining the ecological balance in the microwatershed.  Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands, field bunds and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. This would help in not only supplementing the farm income but also provide fodder and fuel, generate lot of biomass thus helping in maintaining an ecological balance and in mitigating the climate change. Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Kamalapur Tanda micro-watershed (Kamalapur sub-watershed, Gulbarga taluk and district) is located in between 17035' – 17036' North latitudes and 76059' – 7701' East longitudes, covering an area of about 547 ha, bounded by Rajanhal, Bhimhalli and Kamalapur villages. With an length of growing period (LGP) 120-150 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: The socio-economic outputs for Kamalapur Tanda Microwatershed (Kamalapur sub-watershed) in Gulbarga taluk and district are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 64.8 to 35.2 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age 18 to 50 years group of population is around 66.7 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population among all sample households.  Social groups belong to general caste among all sample households.  Liquefied petroleum gas (LGP) is the source of energy for a cooking among 70 per cent.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system is around 50 per cent.  Swach bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 40 per cent of sample households.  Women participation in decisions making are around 90 per cent of households were found. Economic Indicators;  The average land holding is 1.03 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to marginal and small farmers. The total land cultivated on rainfed condition of the sample farmers. 2  Agriculture is the main occupation among 2.7 per cent and agriculture is the main and agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 86.49 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs. 20144 per household. Mobile and television are popular mass media communication.  The average livestock value is around Rs. 42222 per household; about 54 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 752.9 grams (1750.45 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition (NIN) recommendation at 827 gram. Around 100 per cent of sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs.17252 per household. Among all sample farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita monthly average expenditure is around Rs. 2488. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs. 2080 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs. 1060936 per year for the total area of 547 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs. 2553/ ha/year of red gram.  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was maximum in red gram (Rs. 61749). Economic Land Evaluation;  The major cropping pattern is red gram (100 %).  In Kamalapur Tanda Microwatershed, major soil are soil of basaltic landform of Kalamundaragi (KGI) series is having shallow soil depth cover around 25.1 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing red gram. Gutti (GTT) series having moderately shallow soil depth cover around 6.7 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing red gram. Ranjal (RNL) series having deep soil depth cover around 11.7% of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing red gram. Mahagaon (MAN) series having very deep soil depth cover around 1.32 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing red gram. 3  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for red gram ranges between Rs.56320/ha in KGI soil (with BCR of 1.20) and Rs.18488/ha in RNL soil (with BCR of 1.90).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications in deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation.  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households.  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in red gram (1.8 to 18.2 %). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project