Page 48 - GRIHA Manual Volume II - Introduction to National Rating System
P. 48
40 GrIha Manual: Volume 2
• Surface crusted soils have weakly aggregated soil structure that is easily broken by the
impact of raindrops, which then results in the formation of clay crust at the soil surface.
B The clay pan prevents the emerging seedlings and arrests the free exchange of gases
between the soil and atmosphere.
B The surface crust can be easily broken by harrowing or cultivator ploughing.
B Surface crust formation can be prevented by improving the aggregate stability by the
application of lime or gypsum at 2 t/ ha and FYM at 12.5 t/ ha.
B Retaining crop residues on the surface as a protective cover.
• Soils with iron and aluminium toxicity are characterized by the presence of higher
2+
concentration of Fe and Al , more specifically in flooded soils.
3+
B Application of lime as per the lime requirement along with the recommended dose of
NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
B Application of organic manure will suppress the toxicity.
# Ensure presence of basic inorganic nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in adequate
amount for healthy growth of vegetation.
• If required, ensure proper and timely application of manure and fertilizers to enhance soil
fertility, but care should be taken so as to avoid over-fertilization.
# Judicious and timely applications of fertilizers are more beneficial to a plant’s health and are less
likely to cause environmental damage than infrequent, heavy, and ill-timed applications.
For proper laying of the topsoil, it should be spread uniformly at a minimum compacted
depth of 50 mm, on a grade of 1:3 or steeper slopes, and a minimum depth of 100 mm for
shallower slopes (or 300 mm for flatter land).
Proper laying of topsoil is not sufficient in itself. The top-soil, once laid, needs to be stabilized
appropriately. The following measure need to be borne in mind.
# Water and dissolved chemicals move more quickly through coarse textured, sandy or gravely
soil, fine textured silt, and clay soils.
• Soils high in organic matter slow down the low of water and vegetation cover is an efective
means to stabilize disturbed soil.
• In areas where construction activity has disturbed the land, temporary/permanent seeding
should be used till the final soil cover is established.
# Permanent plantation should be done in areas where high velocity of water flow poses a problem
of erosion—like bufer, vegetated swales, and steep slopes (grade>1:3).
• The foliage efectively dissipates the energy of heavy rain and roots hold the soil, thus
preventing soil erosion.
• The vegetation selected for the purpose should be an indigenous species.
# The use of mulches on slopes can help prevent run-off and erosion problems. Few of the organic
mulch materials include shredded bark, wood chips (waste from furniture industry), straw and
cottonseed hull, composted leaves or shredded cedar. Inorganic mulches such as pea gravel,
crushed granite, and pebbles should be used in unplanted areas. Stone mulches should not be
used in areas immediately adjacent to buildings as they can heat up and cause glare.
• Surface crusted soils have weakly aggregated soil structure that is easily broken by the
impact of raindrops, which then results in the formation of clay crust at the soil surface.
B The clay pan prevents the emerging seedlings and arrests the free exchange of gases
between the soil and atmosphere.
B The surface crust can be easily broken by harrowing or cultivator ploughing.
B Surface crust formation can be prevented by improving the aggregate stability by the
application of lime or gypsum at 2 t/ ha and FYM at 12.5 t/ ha.
B Retaining crop residues on the surface as a protective cover.
• Soils with iron and aluminium toxicity are characterized by the presence of higher
2+
concentration of Fe and Al , more specifically in flooded soils.
3+
B Application of lime as per the lime requirement along with the recommended dose of
NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
B Application of organic manure will suppress the toxicity.
# Ensure presence of basic inorganic nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in adequate
amount for healthy growth of vegetation.
• If required, ensure proper and timely application of manure and fertilizers to enhance soil
fertility, but care should be taken so as to avoid over-fertilization.
# Judicious and timely applications of fertilizers are more beneficial to a plant’s health and are less
likely to cause environmental damage than infrequent, heavy, and ill-timed applications.
For proper laying of the topsoil, it should be spread uniformly at a minimum compacted
depth of 50 mm, on a grade of 1:3 or steeper slopes, and a minimum depth of 100 mm for
shallower slopes (or 300 mm for flatter land).
Proper laying of topsoil is not sufficient in itself. The top-soil, once laid, needs to be stabilized
appropriately. The following measure need to be borne in mind.
# Water and dissolved chemicals move more quickly through coarse textured, sandy or gravely
soil, fine textured silt, and clay soils.
• Soils high in organic matter slow down the low of water and vegetation cover is an efective
means to stabilize disturbed soil.
• In areas where construction activity has disturbed the land, temporary/permanent seeding
should be used till the final soil cover is established.
# Permanent plantation should be done in areas where high velocity of water flow poses a problem
of erosion—like bufer, vegetated swales, and steep slopes (grade>1:3).
• The foliage efectively dissipates the energy of heavy rain and roots hold the soil, thus
preventing soil erosion.
• The vegetation selected for the purpose should be an indigenous species.
# The use of mulches on slopes can help prevent run-off and erosion problems. Few of the organic
mulch materials include shredded bark, wood chips (waste from furniture industry), straw and
cottonseed hull, composted leaves or shredded cedar. Inorganic mulches such as pea gravel,
crushed granite, and pebbles should be used in unplanted areas. Stone mulches should not be
used in areas immediately adjacent to buildings as they can heat up and cause glare.
