1. Soil Erosion & Conservation in Darjeeling
Dr. A. K. Singh
Assistant Advisory Officer (Scientist-C)
Tocklai Tea Research Institute
Tea Research Association
Jorhat, Assam
India

2. Soil Erosion
Soil Erosion: Erosion is a process of detachment and transport of soil particles by erosive agents.” Ellison, 1944
(Soil erosion is a major environmental threat to the sustainability and productive capacity of agriculture.)
Natural erosion or geological erosion: Steady and slow process of nature is non destructive (Geological erosion is about t/ha/yr.)
Accelerated erosion: When nature balance disturbed by human activities like large scale cutting of forest, leveling and cultivation.

3. Why soil conservation important for Darjeeling ?
To save the ‘WORLD BEST TEA’ which is produced in Darjeeling hills from 87 T. E. and ha area.
According to some estimates > 30 cm of valuable fertile top soil has been lost through soil erosion by water in Darjeeling T. E. ever since they oriented.
Most of the Darjeeling hills population depends on the tea industry, hence any loss to tea will have a direct impact on regional economy and people livelihood.
Darjeeling tea industry provide direct employment to >76000 peoples.

4. Factors affecting soil erosion
Climate: Rainfall, amount, duration, intensity, frequency (R)
Soil Characteristics: Infiltration, texture, structure, erodibility (K)
Topography: Slopes, steepness of slope, length of slopes, configuration of slopes, micro topography and aspect of slope. (LS)
Biological factor: Vegetation cover, residue mulch and animals etc. (CP)

5. Causes of vulnerability of Darjeeling soils towards erosion
Topography of the region
Very steep slopes
Heavy precipitation ( mm)
Huge deforestation (for timber and fuel)
Unscientific cultivation on steep slopes
Faulty land use practices on farmlands (Cultivation of tea on 20 to 300% slope even more)
High number of vacancies in gardens
Lack of awareness about value of the soil
Increase in human activities.

6. On site & off site impacts of soil erosion
Loss of valuable top fertile soil
Changes in soil texture
Loss of essential nutrients
Silting up of reservoirs
Frequent flood in lower areas
Loss of the economic crops
Decline in soil productivity
Source of pollution to surface water
Imparts Global Warming

7. Management Strategies to Reduce Soil Losses
For a sound soil conservation programme every piece of land must be used in accordance with its capability and limitations.
According to the principles of soil conservation the land with slopes steeper than 50% must not be opened for cultivation.
Improvement of land use practices on farm lands: contours and strip-cropping on sloping lands.
Steep slopes, fallow land & garden border areas may essentially be brought under forests Continued…

8. Adoption of organic farming.
Continued…
Adoption of organic farming.
Any disturbance to the soil for preparation of replanting should be done only during winter months.
Mulching/covering of soil during rainy season.
Grow erosion cheking grasses like lemmon grass, vetiver and palmarosa in vacancies and on the border of water channels and along with road.
Soil conservation in Darjeeling hilly areas requires a well and rational land use programme combined with engineering & cultural measures.

9. “Here is the Land but where is the SOIL”
Soil conservation processes
Soil degradation processes
Live Soil
Dead Soil
Conserve soil otherwise coming generation will ask…
“Here is the Land but where is the SOIL”
S → SOUL
O → OF
I → INFINITE
L → LIFE

10. Thank you