An investigation was carried out during 2002 to 2004 at Rukhi watershed of Konkan region of Western Maharashtra, to study the effect of different mechanical soil conservation measures like staggered trenches (3 m x 0.5 m x 0.5 m), half moon terraces (1.50 m dia.), continuous contour trench (0.50 m x 0.30 m), continuous contour trench (0.50 m x 0.60 m) and stone bund. The runoff and soil loss were also recorded. The prominent horticulture crop of cashew (Cv. Vengurla-4) was taken at a spacing of 7 m x 7 m. The vertical interval of 1.5 m was maintained in case of different soil conservation measures while the area of 0.1 ha was maintained under each treatment. The data on average runoff and soil loss during the years 2002 to 2004 on annual basis revealed that runoff (mm) was highest through control treatment (134.97) and lowest in CCT of 0.60 m depth (18.29). The performance of cashew in stone bunding (T6), staggered trenches (T2) and CCT of 0.60 m depth (T5) was superior over rest of the treatments. The treatment of CCT of 0.60 m depth showed its superiority in reducing runoff and soil loss, hence it was recommended as best soil conservation practice on area having 7 to 8 per cent slope in this region.
Continuous contour trench, Erosion control efficiency, Half moon terraces, Staggered trenches, Stone bund
