**4.4 Agronomic measures for management of ravine**

Agronomic measures are being considered as second line of defense in soil and water conservation however, these are of immense importance perhaps much more than other practices. These measures are recommended on mildly sloping lands (1–6%) for conservation of rainfall for sustainable production. They help in intercepting rain drops by decreasing the amount, intensity and the spatial distribution of the precipitation reaching the soil surface and protects the soil surface from the direct impact of raindrops which can cause a splash and sheet erosion. They also help in increasing infiltration rates and thereby reduce runoff and overland flow. These measures include contour cultivation, strip cropping, intercropping, mulching, tillage and other improved practices [23].
