Flood recession agriculture: Case studies

Abstract

Flood recession agriculture is a common practice in many regions of the world on river floodplains, lake margins, and other wetlands where water levels rise and fall predictably. As water levels recede, wetted and nutrient-rich soils are exploited for their high agricultural productivity, with crops harvested before rains return inundating the landscape once again generally on a seasonal basis. The importance of flood recession agriculture may be substantial in arid and semiarid areas with intermittent rains. It is significant in supporting subsistence needs, but may be compromised by damming and other schemes that perturb natural catchment hydrology. Flood recession agriculture reflects a 'knowledge' economy, local practices and crop choices closely linked to the unique topography, hydrology and other characteristics of flood recession areas.