Page 7 - AJWEP-v22i2

Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution. Vol. 22, No. 2 (2025), pp. 1-18.
doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025060035

REVIEW ARTICLE

Traditional knowledge in soil management and water
conservation: Perspectives from the agrodiverse state of

Uttar Pradesh, India

Himanshu Sahu 1,2,3 , Pooja Purohit , Arun Pratap Mishra * , Amit Kumar ,
1,2
4
5
Purnendu Sardar , Bojan Đurin , and Upaka Rathnayake *
7
8
6
1 Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
2 Research and Development, Bhomya Foundation, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
3 Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
4 Department of Forestry and Remote Sensing, Earthtree Enviro Private Limited, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
5 Department of Habitat Ecology, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
6 Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science (INES), Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies, Lund
University, Lund, Sweden
7 Department of Civil Engineering, University North, Varazdin, Croatia
8 Department of Civil Engineering and Construction, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Atlantic Technological University
Sligo, Sligo, Ireland
*Corresponding authors: Arun Pratap Mishra (arunpratap7371@gmail.com);
Upaka Rathnayake (upaka.rathnayake@atu.ie)

Received: February 4, 2025; 1st revised: March 11, 2025; 2nd revised: March 20, 2025; 3rd revised: March 26, 2025;
Accepted: March 27, 2025; Published online: April 21, 2025

Abstract: Soil management is a crucial aspect of sustainable agriculture, and traditional knowledge has played
a pivotal role in shaping practices that maintain soil health over time. This study examines the significance of
traditional soil management techniques used in Uttar Pradesh, India, and assesses their effectiveness in addressing
modern agricultural challenges. The primary objective of this analysis is to investigate how indigenous practices,
such as crop rotation, intercropping, organic manure application, and traditional water conservation techniques,
contribute to soil fertility and sustainability. By examining these traditional methods, the study aims to assess their
potential for integration with contemporary agricultural practices to enhance overall soil health and agricultural
productivity. A comprehensive analysis of existing literature was conducted to synthesize findings from various
studies on traditional soil management practices in Uttar Pradesh. The analysis highlights the mechanisms by which
these practices affect soil properties and fertility and identifies the strengths and limitations associated with their use.
The findings reveal that traditional methods offer significant benefits, including enhanced soil structure, improved
nutrient availability, and increased moisture retention. However, challenges such as limited adoption of modern
technologies and varying regional practices are also noted. The integration of traditional knowledge with modern
techniques is evaluated as a means to address these challenges and optimize soil management strategies. This analysis
bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary agricultural practices, providing valuable insights
for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. The study underscores the importance of integrating traditional soil
management practices with modern approaches to foster sustainable agriculture in Uttar Pradesh and similar regions.

Keywords: Crop rotation; Indigenous practices; Organic manuring; Soil fertility; Soil management; Sustainable
agriculture; Traditional knowledge

Volume 22 Issue 2 (2025) 1 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025060035