Page 15 - AJWEP-v22i2

Traditional wisdom on managing soil and water

practices, such as raised beds and organic mulching, but also enhance soil health by improving its organic
to manage soil moisture and prevent waterlogging. matter content and microbial activity. 6,37 This is
Raised bed farming involves creating elevated planting particularly relevant for smallholder farmers in
beds to improve soil drainage and aeration, crucial developing regions who may have limited access to
for managing excessive moisture in clayey soils. This modern agricultural inputs.
technique has been demonstrated to improve crop
yields and soil health by preventing waterlogging and 5.3. Cultural and local adaptation
promoting root growth. 121,122 Organic mulching, the Traditional knowledge is inherently adapted to local
application of organic materials, such as straw or leaf environmental conditions and cultural practices. For
litter, helps conserve soil moisture, prevent erosion, example, water conservation techniques, such as
and add organic matter to the soil. Mulching has been bunding and check dams, which have been used for
effective in maintaining soil structure and increasing centuries in regions like Bundelkhand, are tailored
water-holding capacity, thus supporting sustainable to the specific hydrological and soil conditions of the
agricultural practices in the Terai region. 123,124 Studies area. 130,131 These practices often integrate indigenous
have highlighted that organic mulching improves soil knowledge of local weather patterns, soil types, and
fertility and promotes beneficial microbial activity, water resources, making them highly relevant and
resulting in improved crop performance. 6,125 effective for local contexts. 132

5. Relevance of traditional knowledge in 5.4. Integration with modern technologies
modern agriculture Integrating traditional knowledge with modern
agricultural technologies can offer synergistic benefits.
Traditional knowledge, with its deep roots in cultural For instance, the use of raised beds in the Terai region,
and ecological contexts, remains highly relevant in a traditional practice for managing clayey soils, can
modern agriculture, particularly in the realm of soil be complemented with modern irrigation systems to
133
management. Despite the rapid advancements in optimize water use and crop productivity. Similarly,
agricultural technology and scientific research, many combining traditional organic manuring practices
traditional practices offer compelling advantages that with precision agriculture techniques can enhance soil
align with contemporary needs for sustainability and fertility while minimizing environmental impacts.
134
environmental stewardship. This integration can lead to more sustainable and
resilient agricultural systems.
5.1. Environmental sustainability and resilience
Traditional soil management practices often emphasize 5.5. Addressing climate change
environmental sustainability, a concept that is increasingly As climate change continues to pose significant
crucial in the face of climate change. Techniques, such as challenges to agriculture, traditional knowledge offers
crop rotation, organic manuring, and water conservation, valuable insights into climate adaptation and mitigation.
deeply embedded in traditional knowledge contribute Practices such as intercropping and mulching, which
to soil health and resilience. For instance, crop rotation, have been used for centuries, help conserve soil
a common practice in traditional agriculture, helps moisture, reduce erosion, and improve soil fertility,
maintain soil fertility by preventing nutrient depletion thereby contributing to climate resilience. 135,136 These
and disrupting pest and disease cycles. 126,127 This traditional practices can be instrumental in developing
practice aligns well with modern concepts of sustainable adaptive strategies for changing climatic conditions.
agriculture, which advocate for reducing reliance on
chemical inputs and enhancing soil biodiversity. 128 6. Challenges and opportunities for integration

5.2. Low-cost and resource-efficient practices Integrating traditional knowledge with modern
Many traditional soil management practices are notably agricultural practices involves navigating various
low-cost and resource-efficient. Organic manuring, challenges while seizing opportunities for enhanced
utilizing locally available materials such as compost soil management. The coexistence of these approaches
and animal dung, reduces the dependency on synthetic can lead to innovative solutions that balance cultural
fertilizers, which can be expensive and environmentally heritage with technological advancement, promoting
harmful. 1,129 These practices are not only cost-effective sustainable agricultural practices.

Volume 22 Issue 2 (2025) 9 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025060035