Characteristics (problems) of dryland farming system :

A) Climatic factors :-

• Annual rainfall is between 750 to 1150 mm,
• Evapotranspiration (ET) loss is higher than precipitation
• High intensity rainfall for short period causes problem of soil erosion by water
• Distribution of rainfall is not uniform
• Late onset of monsoon, delays sowing of crops
• Early cessation of rain, causes moisture stress during reproductive and maturity stages
• Prolonged dry spell during crop period, retards growth and yield of crop
• High wind velocity causes soil erosion
• Low relative humidity, increases evapotranspiration loss

B) Soil factors :-

• Poor ground cover, problem of wind and water erosion
• Sand and silt particles are dominant in soil texture
• Low organic matter content and poor fertility
• Low moisture and nutrient holding capacity
• High infiltration rate and low ground water table

C) Socioeconomic factors

• Poor in resource base and biodiversity and poor farmers
• Higher cost for lifting underground water, higher cost of production