Man’s control over the elements of land and water for the purposes of agriculture was fundamental to the development of civilisations in the past, and remains so today. This volume deals with the processes of irrigation, and land drainage and reclamation, and illustrates the variety of technological and engineering solutions in a wide chronological and geographical perspective. The sophistication of many pre-modern systems is clear, as is the impact of modern technologies. Important points that emerge are that there was no steady or linear progression in techniques across time - instances of the transfer of ideas are balanced by cases of independent development - and that the correlations between irrigation systems and social structures demand more complex explanations than often proposed.

This text book brings together 26 chapters, 546 fugures, 166 tables, a glossary of 332 definitions. Being the result of ILRI's core business: bringing together the principles and applications of drainage, by giving international courses on drainage

Land Drainage – Principles, Methods and Applications presents the latest information, concepts and technology for ensuring sustainable agricultural production and environmental management by adopting land drainage measures. It focuses on a subject, central to the sustainability of irrigated agriculture. The authors’ considerable field work experience and strong grip on the subject are pivotal in conceptualizing this book. This book provides an explicit description of the subject for students as well as the practicing engineers in this area. A logical sequence is followed in the presentation of chapters, beginning with the occurrence of drainage problems, their causes, remedies, design and execution of drainage systems and the benefits of drainage. The book can claim to be the only comprehensive title on the subject in India. SALIENT FEATURES 1. Follows an application-centric approach based on mathematical and statistical concepts 2. Provides a global scenario of drainage by studying different drainage models 3. Discusses drainage in the Indian context 4. Text is supported by statistical inputs and well illustrated examples 5. Includes self-assessment questions with answers and a number of solved and unsolved problems 6. Includes case studies of Drainage and Salt Management

Land reclamation, particularly of land disturbed by mining, is a major environmental issue throughout the world. Thirty-eight chapters explore the vast complexities involved in reclamation after large-scale disturbances and provide a broad range of perspectives and examples of reclamation efforts. Readers will find specifics, from mapping minesoil to policy-making, from geochemistry to large-scale topography, from the papermill to oil shale, and emerge with an overall understanding of reclamation strategies and challenges.

Fully renewed and extended, this edition is a valuable source of information for anyone involved in drainage engineering and management. It provides new theories, technologies, knowledge and experiences in combination with traditional land development practices in the humid temperature zone. Aspects covered include: management and maintenance; drainage application and design; and adverse impacts on the environment. Intended as both a handbook and a textbook, this work is of particular value to university students as well as professionals within drainage development, engineering and management.

Offers a comprehensive volume discussing groundwater problems in coastal areas, spanning fundamental science to practical water management.