Soil Moisture Anomaly (SMA) in India

Soil Moisture Anomaly (SMA) in India

Context: The study, “Unearthing India’s soil moisture anomalies impact on agriculture and water resource strategies,” analyses the changes in soil moisture levels across India. It compared data from 2023 with historical averages between 2000 and 2005. Soil Moisture Anomaly (SMA) index

• It is intended to reflect the soil’s degree of dryness or saturation compared with normal conditions.
• It shows the influence of soil moisture stress on crop production.
• Negative SMA indicates drought vulnerability, while positive SMA indicates flood vulnerability.

Findings of study

• Drought vulnerability: In 2023, about 32.8 per cent of India’s total land area experienced a negative Soil Moisture Anomaly (SMA).
• Flood vulnerability: Soil moisture levels exceeded the historical average in about 47.7 percent of India’s geographical area, indicating wetter soil conditions than usual.
• Positive SMA could be used for winter crops, reducing the need for surplus irrigation.
• Detailed state-wise assessment of seasonal, pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon SMA was done.
• It underscores the need for tailored water management policies to optimise agriculture productivity and improve climate resilience.
• It also highlighted the regional disparities across different seasons and suggested mitigation measures. For example, the rice paddies in West Bengal need more water than the wheat fields in Punjab

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