Indian Journal of Soil Conservation

A field experiment was conducted at Dryland Fanning Research Station. Arjia, Bhilwara during kharif 2007 and 2008 to assess the efficacy of calcareous soil lining (in situ) for reduction of seepage loss from dugout farm pond. Calcareous soils arc characterized by extremely low rate of infiltration due to presence of high content of CaCO₂. Results revealed that dugout pond constructed with lining of calcareous soil recorded minimum seepage rate from 1.05 to 1.08 cm/m²/day at different heads over without calcareous soil lined pond. The reduction of seepage rate was varied from 61.4 to 62% over control. The seepage rate decreased with increase % of calcareous soil in the dug out farm pond. It is also observed that increased calcareous soils in the farm pond slightly changed the water quality but it was within the suitability range of irrigation. Regression equations have been developed between seepage rate and head for prediction of seepage rate which was found significant. Benefits from calcareous soil were projected either in situ or by transportation as compared to without calcareous soil lining. It has been found that calcareous soil lining is cost effective technique for reduction of seepage loss from the ponds.