How to conserve soil moisture in dryland farming during dry spells?

Conserving soil moisture is the foundation of successful dryland farming. Key practices include making field bunds and contour bunds to slow runoff and hold rainwater, deep summer ploughing to improve infiltration, and adding organic matter and farmyard manure to raise the soil's water holding capacity. Mulching with crop residue or plastic reduces evaporation and keeps the topsoil moist longer. Practise timely shallow inter cultivation to create a soil mulch that breaks capillary loss after rain. Sow across the slope, use wider spacing in low rainfall zones, and choose short duration drought tolerant varieties. In situ water harvesting like ridges and furrows and small farm ponds further buffer dry spells. Combine several of these rather than relying on one.