Renewable energy source
Renewable energy is the important source of energy for sustainable development of watershed. Harnessing solar energy and extracting gobar (Cow dung) energy are two such means of utilizing renewable energy for sustainable development of watershed.
Hence, in a village watershed, it is important to focus more on installing biogas plant and solar power plant as per the situation and availability of raw materials.
In general, with better availability of animals in village watershed, it is possible to have sufficient amount of cow dung as raw material to run biogas plant .Community Biogas plant can further be a better option to enhance the efficient use of raw materials. However, in case of less availability of animals, the farmers can go for installing solar power plant and harness the solar energy.
watershed development
Watershed has a big role to play in utilizing renewable source of energy for sustainable development of watershed. Watershed management facilitates the villagers in selection of watershed interventions in such a way that the sustainability parameters can better be addressed.
Biogas is a bio fuel that is mixture of gases with methane as predominant gas. It results from anaerobic fermentation of carbohydrates (in organic matter of the plant).
Biogas is used in cooking and is smokeless. The slurry obtained through biogas plant has all nutrients required by plant for its growth. Especially, it has more percentage of Nitrogen nutrients as compared to other sources like FYM or Vermicompost .
Installing a biogas plant need utmost care. It should be located near to cowshed/Animal shelter. The area for installing biogas plant should not be surrounded by trees. The spreading roots and shade of the trees can create hindrance in installation of biogas plan and reduces the efficiency. The area of biogas installation should be open and have better aeration. The soil where the biogas plant is installed should have the capacity to bear the weight of biogas plant. The soil should also have better water holding capacity (WHC).
The cow dung requirement for 1m3 capacity biogas plant is 25 kg per day. Likewise, for 2m3 and 3m3 capacity biogas plant, the cow dung requirement will be 75 kg. Other organic matter like plant residue, fruit and vegetables waste etc can also be used along with cow dung as raw material. The C:N ratio of the raw materials used in digester tank should range from 20:1 to 30:1 .Hence, it is wise to mix high C:N organic matter with low C:N organic matter to get the required range of C:N
Watershed intervention will help in reducing the adverse effects of existing climate change. Thus, Watershed Project avail an opportunity to the village community for better & sustainable use of natural resources
