Abstract:
Pottuvil DS division is located in Dry
Zone of Sri Lanka. Based on the soil types, slopes, soil
depth and erodability of soils in this D.S. Division is
categorized in to clusters Sengaman, whole Komari 1
and Northern Komari 2 and Hijra Nigar and small
portion of Southern Komari 2. In general soil organic
matter content in top soil was less than 1% in majority
of chena fields in Pottuvil. Chena cultivated area has
been restricted in research area due to the security
problem. However, none of the Chena lands have used
soil conservation measures to reduce erosion or
organic manure for enrichment soil organic carbon
content and soil fertility. No incorporation of organic
matter (residues) to soil is practiced; instead burn them
before land preparation. Majority of farmers do not
know about soil conservation and their positive
impacts. Even the few farmers who possess some
knowledge about soil conservation or have heard of
this, they are not practicing soil conservation or
organic matter addition to their Chena fields. Soil
conservation measures are required especially for
certain areas (Sengaman and Komari-1 Cluster) and
immediate attention should be given to
implementation of such measures. In most cases, cost
effective best conservation measures are to establish
earth bunds and live hedges.
