Agro-well development and its impact on Gasgommana tank reservations in tank cascades of Sri Lanka
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Date
2020
Authors
Perera, M. P.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Abstract
The expansion of Agro-well based agricultural systems has been a significant trend in the agricultural sector during the last three decades in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. Although there are many positive impacts, it has an adverse effect on tank reservations including natural vegetation belt locally called “Gasgommana” located surrounding the tanks. These systems have been contributing a lot of hydro-ecological services in tank cascades. Due to this recent issue on degradation of Gasgommana tank reservation, a study was planned to examine the impact on this tree zone using six tank cascades covering two river basins in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. For this study Geo-Eye 1 satellite images, Google images, direct observations, field surveys, structured questionnaire and focus group discussions were used for gathering necessary data. It was revealed that, with the increase of Agro well density in tank cascades, number of Agro-wells in reservations has been increased. In addition to the Agro-well excavation in reservations, these systems have been damaged due to Agro-well based land development, collection of woody materials and use of excavation machines. During the study, only 18 tree species were recorded in the remaining Gasgommana reservation area. It is also an evident that the tree density of Gasgommana reservation has decreased. With the increase of Agro-well density more than 15 per/ha, the Gasgommana land strips have also faded away nearly more than 60%.
Description
Keywords
Agro-well development , Tank reservations , Gasgommana , Groundwater , Tree density
Citation
Modern Sri Lanka Studies, 2020, IX(1), P 45-60